Latest news with #UdeDeshKaAamNagrik
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Ratlam set to join MP's aviation map for commercial jet operations: CM Mohan Yadav
Ratlam: In a move that could significantly boost regional connectivity and economic development, Ratlam is poised to get its own airport facility capable of handling commercial aircraft, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Friday. The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated efforts to upgrade the Banjali airstrip, currently featuring a 3,753-feet asphalt runway, to accommodate commercial aviation. Addressing an industry conclave here, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced that soon the town will have commercial flights services as a proper airport would be developed soon. 'Industrialists and businessmen have to either take alternate means of transport or travel to Indore to catch a flight. Ratlam will also have an airport,' the chief minister said. Few months ago, a technical team reached Ratlam by special aircraft to inspect the airstrip and assess its readiness for jet operations. The team provided detailed recommendations to the Public Works Department and other concerned agencies to prepare the facility for business jet movement. The announcement comes in the backdrop of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the proposed industrial corridor passing through Ratlam district, which are expected to transform the region into a major economic hub. The state government's emphasis on air connectivity is seen as a strategic step to complement these infrastructure projects. Ratlam is already listed as an unreserved airport under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016 by Central government to make air travel affordable and accessible. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on 10 February 2022, the then Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had confirmed Ratlam's inclusion in the scheme. 'However, no airline has yet submitted a proposal to operate flights from the city in the four bidding rounds conducted so far,' the minister had clarified that 'UDAN is an ongoing scheme, and future bids connecting Ratlam would be considered as per the scheme's provisions.' The airport development initiative is part of a broader state-level push to enhance regional air infrastructure. Madhya Pradesh has recently developed new airports in Datia and Satna. Datia airport, originally designed for small aircraft, was expanded with an investment of Rs 70 crore to accommodate 72-seater planes. Similarly, Satna airport, which dates back to World War II, was upgraded with Rs 30 crore and received a DGCA license in 2024 for 19-seater aircraft operations. The Union government has already spent over Rs 2,300 crore on the revival and up-gradation of RCS airports under the 'Revival of unreserved and reserved airports' scheme as of November 2021. Ratlam's inclusion in this framework could pave the way for further central support. Ratlam is expected to witness a surge in economic activities. The convergence of expressway access, industrial expansion, and aviation infrastructure positions the city as a rising node in Madhya Pradesh.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India to get dedicated helicopter directorate under DGCA
PUNE: Union minister of civil aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday announced the creation of a dedicated helicopter directorate under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) aimed at providing single-window regulatory oversight, addressing helicopter-specific safety and certification issues, and assisting operators with procedural requirements. Naidu made the announcement during his keynote address at the seventh 'Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit'. Union minister of civil aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday announced forming dedicated helicopter directorate under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). (HT) Despite India's size and growing aviation needs, the country currently has only around 300 helicopters in civil operation—far fewer than countries like Brazil, which has over 600. Highlighting this gap, Naidu said that the new dedicated directorate under the DGCA will be a first-of-its-kind institutional support mechanism for rotary-wing aviation. He also acknowledged financial challenges in the small aircraft segment, particularly the high cost of new aircraft. 'To promote aircraft leasing, we passed a bill in Parliament protecting aircraft objects' interests. As a result, leasing costs have reduced by 8 to 10%,' he noted. Naidu highlighted the Centre's digital initiatives such as the Heli Sewa portal that have helped streamline operations through digitised processes like route approvals and slot allocations, enhancing transparency and efficiency across the board. The summit also witnessed the formal award of new Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) helicopter routes across several states, further strengthening regional air connectivity under the central government's flagship UDAN scheme. Speaking to operators and industry stakeholders, Naidu underlined the importance of building a robust aviation safety culture, especially on high-risk routes like those in Uttarakhand. 'Safety of pilgrims must remain our top priority—there can be no shortcuts, no room for communication errors, and no margin for poor decision-making. We must build a culture of trust, dialogue and discipline which I feel is a shared responsibility between the Centre, the states, and the operators,' he said. Referring to this year's helicopter accidents during the 'Char Dham Yatra', Naidu stressed that there can be no compromise on safety. He cited operational challenges such as sudden weather changes that make take-off and landing difficult for pilots. To counter this, the ministry is exploring the use of advanced technologies and improved air traffic control systems. The June 15 crash of an Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd helicopter returning from Kedarnath, which killed all seven persons on board, was among the incidents that brought safety concerns into sharp focus. 'There should be no compromise on the safety aspect. For the 'Char Dham Yatra', we want to enhance the safety even more. We are looking into enhanced surveillance. We are creating more systems. Since it is a hilly area, the air traffic management is challenging as there is no signal there. That is why we are looking for innovative solutions so that we can have better air traffic control,' Naidu said. Naidu emphasised the unique role helicopters and small aircraft play in a country like India, where terrain and infrastructure constraints make conventional airports difficult to establish in certain regions. 'India is such a vast country with different terrains and challenges. To connect every corner, we need different ecosystems. Helicopters help us reach areas where it is difficult to build airports,' he said. Naidu expressed satisfaction with the growing involvement of state governments in this sector. While 15 states were represented at last year's summit in Shillong, this year saw participation from 20 states, many of which showed keen interest in expanding helicopter and small aircraft operations. 'States are proactively coming forward, saying they want more helicopter and small aircraft operations. These platforms help everyone come together and build the ecosystem. The aviation industry is a key pillar in India's development roadmap towards 2047. The importance of collaboration between central and state governments, industry players, and regulatory bodies cannot be overstated,' Naidu said. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who also attended the summit, said that an increase in domestic air traffic will open up new economic opportunities and boost trade, tourism, and employment. 'The Modi government is focused on realising the full potential of this sector. Today, India has over 250 helicopters in civil service and more than 1,000 helipads across the nation. The coming years present immense opportunities for further expansion. This summit will significantly contribute to promoting research, employment generation, and economic development in the aviation ecosystem,' Mohol said.
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
India's aviation boom: Soaring towards 15% growth amid economic expansion
New Delhi: India's aviation industry has been a significant contributor to the country's economic progress, playing a crucial role in both domestic and international connectivity. As the country positions itself as a global economic powerhouse, the aviation sector is poised for substantial expansion, with projections indicating a 14% to 15% growth rate. This anticipated boom is closely linked to the country's GDP growth, reflecting the deep interconnection between aviation and the broader economy. The aviation sector serves as a vital economic enabler, facilitating business, tourism, and trade. A growing GDP translates into increased disposable incomes, higher business activity, and greater demand for air travel. As India's economy continues to expand, more people are expected to travel by air, driving demand for additional flights, airport infrastructure, and airline services. According to industry experts, if India's projected GDP growth of around 7% to 8% is achieved, the aviation sector will witness proportional expansion, resulting in job creation, increased investments, and enhanced connectivity. Several factors contribute to the rapid expansion of India's aviation industry. These include rising middle-class incomes, government initiatives, foreign investment, and improvements in infrastructure. India's growing middle class has significantly contributed to the rise in domestic and international travel. With increasing disposable incomes, air travel is no longer a luxury but a necessity for many. This surge in demand has prompted airlines to expand their fleets, add new routes, and enhance service quality. The Indian government has introduced several policies to boost the aviation sector, including the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) and the UDAN (UdeDeshKaAamNagrik) scheme. These initiatives aim to make air travel more accessible, promote regional connectivity, and encourage foreign investment in the sector. Additionally, efforts to improve regulatory frameworks and ease restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) have attracted global investors, further strengthening the industry. With increasing passenger traffic, there is a growing need for enhanced airport infrastructure. The government and private sector have invested heavily in expanding existing airports and developing new ones. Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have undergone significant upgrades, while several regional airports are being modernised under the UDAN scheme. India's major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, are expanding their fleets to meet the rising demand for air travel. Additionally, new entrants in the market are increasing competition, leading to better pricing, improved services, and expanded route networks. The recent acquisition of Air India by the Tata Group is expected to bring further innovation and modernization to the industry. India's aviation sector's future Looking ahead, India's aviation industry is expected to play a significant role in the country's economic growth. As India strengthens its position as a global business hub, international flight routes are expected to expand. Enhanced connectivity with key global destinations will boost trade, tourism, and business travel. The industry is gradually shifting towards sustainable practices, including the use of biofuels, improved fuel efficiency, and the adoption of green technologies. With increasing concerns about carbon emissions, airlines are focusing on reducing their environmental impact. The UDAN scheme has been instrumental in enhancing regional air connectivity, allowing smaller cities and towns to access air travel. This trend is expected to continue, fostering economic growth in previously underserved regions. The integration of technology in aviation, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital passenger experiences, is transforming the industry. Smart airports, streamlined check-in processes, and enhanced security measures are set to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. India's aviation industry is poised for remarkable growth, closely tied to the country's overall economic expansion. While challenges persist, strategic investments, policy reforms, and infrastructure enhancements will drive the sector forward. If the projected GDP growth is realised, the aviation industry can achieve a 14% to 15% growth rate, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to India's economic success. With a focus on sustainability, regional connectivity, and technological advancements, the future of India's aviation sector looks promising and dynamic. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
02-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India's aviation boom: Soaring towards 15% growth amid economic expansion
New Delhi: India's aviation industry has been a significant contributor to the country's economic progress, playing a crucial role in both domestic and international connectivity. As the country positions itself as a global economic powerhouse, the aviation sector is poised for substantial expansion, with projections indicating a 14% to 15% growth rate. This anticipated boom is closely linked to the country's GDP growth, reflecting the deep interconnection between aviation and the broader economy. The aviation sector serves as a vital economic enabler, facilitating business, tourism, and trade. A growing GDP translates into increased disposable incomes, higher business activity, and greater demand for air travel. As India's economy continues to expand, more people are expected to travel by air, driving demand for additional flights, airport infrastructure, and airline services. According to industry experts, if India's projected GDP growth of around 7% to 8% is achieved, the aviation sector will witness proportional expansion, resulting in job creation, increased investments, and enhanced connectivity. Several factors contribute to the rapid expansion of India's aviation industry. These include rising middle-class incomes, government initiatives, foreign investment, and improvements in infrastructure. India's growing middle class has significantly contributed to the rise in domestic and international travel. With increasing disposable incomes, air travel is no longer a luxury but a necessity for many. This surge in demand has prompted airlines to expand their fleets, add new routes, and enhance service quality. The Indian government has introduced several policies to boost the aviation sector, including the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) and the UDAN (UdeDeshKaAamNagrik) scheme. These initiatives aim to make air travel more accessible, promote regional connectivity, and encourage foreign investment in the sector. Additionally, efforts to improve regulatory frameworks and ease restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) have attracted global investors, further strengthening the industry. With increasing passenger traffic, there is a growing need for enhanced airport infrastructure. The government and private sector have invested heavily in expanding existing airports and developing new ones. Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have undergone significant upgrades, while several regional airports are being modernised under the UDAN scheme. India's major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, are expanding their fleets to meet the rising demand for air travel. Additionally, new entrants in the market are increasing competition, leading to better pricing, improved services, and expanded route networks. The recent acquisition of Air India by the Tata Group is expected to bring further innovation and modernization to the industry. India's aviation sector's future Looking ahead, India's aviation industry is expected to play a significant role in the country's economic growth. As India strengthens its position as a global business hub, international flight routes are expected to expand. Enhanced connectivity with key global destinations will boost trade, tourism, and business travel. The industry is gradually shifting towards sustainable practices, including the use of biofuels, improved fuel efficiency, and the adoption of green technologies. With increasing concerns about carbon emissions, airlines are focusing on reducing their environmental impact. The UDAN scheme has been instrumental in enhancing regional air connectivity, allowing smaller cities and towns to access air travel. This trend is expected to continue, fostering economic growth in previously underserved regions. The integration of technology in aviation, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital passenger experiences, is transforming the industry. Smart airports, streamlined check-in processes, and enhanced security measures are set to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. India's aviation industry is poised for remarkable growth, closely tied to the country's overall economic expansion. While challenges persist, strategic investments, policy reforms, and infrastructure enhancements will drive the sector forward. If the projected GDP growth is realised, the aviation industry can achieve a 14% to 15% growth rate, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to India's economic success. With a focus on sustainability, regional connectivity, and technological advancements, the future of India's aviation sector looks promising and dynamic.
