Dhami calls for separate aviation policy for Himalayan states
Pushkar Singh Dhami
has urged the Union civil aviation ministry to formulate a separate aviation policy for Himalayan states. Such a policy should include provisions like special financial assistance, operational subsidies, appropriate Air Traffic Control (ATC) network for mountain areas, accurate weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, the CM said.
At the Minister Conference on Civil Aviation (north) on Friday, Dhami also requested all operators to ensure special pilot training for mountain flights, strict adherence to safety standards and passengers' safety.
"Through the
UDAN scheme
, connecting small towns and remote areas by air has not only made air travel accessible to common citizens but also boosted the local economy," said Dhami, adding that currently 18 heliports are being developed in Uttarakhand and services have already started at 12 of these.
Emphasising that helicopter services in mountain states like Uttarakhand have become not just a means of transportation but a lifeline, Dhami said, "Be it disaster management, healthcare or pilgrimage, helicopter service has provided unprecedented convenience."
Joint secretary of Union civil aviation ministry Asangba Chuba Ao said 625 air routes under regional connectivity scheme have been connected under the UDAN scheme so far, benefiting over 1.5 crore passengers.
He said a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to benefit four crore passengers in the next 10 years and connect 120 destinations.
Joint secretary of Union civil aviation ministry Madhu Sudan Shankar emphasised the need for adequate human resources for air connectivity operations -- from pilots and technicians to ground staff and ATC.
Shankar said India is projected to become the third-largest aviation market by 2030 (according to IATA). The number of airports in India is expected to increase from the current 162 to 350-400 by 2047. According to a leading aircraft manufacturing company, the country will require approximately 45,000 technicians for aviation maintenance by 2040, necessitating the establishment of training institutes in states, Shankar added.
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