Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector: Mr. Scindia highlighted the remarkable expansion of civil aviation infrastructure in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He particularly emphasized the impressive growth of the Delhi airport, which is set to become the world’s second-largest airport by the end of this year.
New Delhi, 13 September (City Times): Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector : India’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, and according to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, it’s on a trajectory to become a global aviation hub, akin to Dubai, within just five years. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Mr. Scindia highlighted the remarkable expansion of civil aviation infrastructure in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He particularly emphasized the impressive growth of the Delhi airport, which is set to become the world’s second-largest airport by the end of this year. This monumental achievement signifies India’s ascent in the global aviation arena.
Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector: Delhi Airport’s Remarkable Expansion
Mr. Scindia pointed out that the Delhi airport, with a throughput capability (the number of passengers it can handle annually) of 70 million, is poised to increase its capacity to a staggering 109 million by December. This transformation positions Delhi airport as one of the world’s largest, second only to Atlanta. The imminent inauguration of the Jewar airport in the next 12 months will further boost India’s aviation capacity. By 2030, between Jewar and Delhi airports, the country will boast a throughput capacity of 160 million passengers, reinforcing India’s status as a burgeoning aviation hub.
Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector : Addressing Airfare Fluctuations
Addressing concerns about fluctuating airfares, especially surges in some sectors a few months ago, Mr. Scindia clarified that the civil aviation sector operates in a deregulated environment. He acknowledged that the situation in June was an anomaly, with soaring prices and a grounding of nearly 30 aircraft in an airline, causing a capacity shortage. This led to abnormally high fares in certain cities, such as Srinagar, Pune, and Goa, which were primarily served by the affected airline. The government promptly engaged with the airlines, leading to the normalization of fares.
Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector : India’s Journey to Become an International Aviation Hub
When discussing India’s potential to become an international aviation hub like Singapore, Dubai, or Doha, Mr. Scindia highlighted the impressive growth of India’s aviation sector since 2014. The number of airports has surged from 74 to 149, the fleet size has risen from 400 to 700 aircraft, and the passenger count has escalated from 6 crore to nearly 14.5 crore. Projections for 2030 paint an even more promising picture, with the number of airports expected to reach 220, the fleet size to surpass 1,500 aircraft, and passenger numbers to approach 42.5 crore. This growth will predominantly occur on the international front, as Indian carriers have focused primarily on expanding domestic capacity.
Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector : Creating Multiple Aviation Hubs in India
To achieve this, Mr. Scindia outlined plans to establish multiple aviation hubs across India, including one in Delhi, South India, and the western region. This initiative aims to reduce the reliance on third-country hubs for Indian travelers and facilitate direct flights. While Mr. Scindia refrained from specifying an exact timeline, he suggested a roadmap of five years, emphasizing the importance of under-committing and over-delivering.
Jyotiraditya Scindia On Aviation Sector : Infrastructure Investment and Aviation’s Role
Mr. Scindia highlighted the government’s substantial investment in infrastructure to accommodate the expected increase in passenger numbers. Both the private and public sectors have aggressive capital expenditure plans totalling nearly ₹98,000 crore over the next 3-5 years. He emphasized that civil aviation is poised to become a primary mode of transportation in India, potentially surpassing the popularity of AC train services.
Managing Unruly Passengers
The minister acknowledged the challenge of dealing with unruly passengers, emphasizing the need for exemplary actions. He underscored the government’s commitment to handling such situations firmly, including legal actions and imposing no-fly lists for extended periods. Mr. Scindia emphasized that passengers bear a collective responsibility for their behavior during flights, underscoring the importance of responsible flying.
Progress of the UDAN Scheme
Addressing concerns regarding the progress of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, Mr. Scindia adopted an optimistic outlook. He viewed the scheme as a significant success, highlighting the addition of 495 new routes connecting previously unlinked destinations in India. The scheme has revitalized cities that were last on the civil aviation map during World War II, such as Jharsuguda in Odisha, Rupsi in Assam, Darbhanga in Bihar, and Kishanganj in Rajasthan. Mr. Scindia suggested that a sunset clause for viability gap funding was essential, focusing on routes that have become sustainable.
Maintaining a Competitive Aviation Industry
Regarding the challenges faced by airlines like SpiceJet and GoFirst, Mr. Scindia expressed a preference for maintaining a minimum of four to five players in the aviation sector. He recognized that the industry’s pricing structure is relatively inelastic. Despite challenges faced by some airlines, he highlighted the emergence of new players, including Akasa, which expanded its fleet from two to 20 aircraft within a year. He emphasized the growing regional connectivity from Tier 1 to Tier II and Tier III to Tier IV cities, predicting that this aviation revolution would unfold in the coming years.
India’s civil aviation sector is poised for tremendous growth, and Mr. Scindia’s vision places it on a trajectory to become a global aviation hub, providing increased accessibility, connectivity, and convenience for travelers within and beyond India’s borders.
India’s Soaring Aviation Sector
India’s civil aviation sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Delhi airport’s imminent ascent to the position of the world’s second-largest airport exemplifies the industry’s expansion. With plans to inaugurate the Jewar airport and establish multiple aviation hubs, India is on a fast track to becoming a global aviation hub. The government’s investment in infrastructure and commitment to managing unruly passengers ensures a smooth and secure travel experience. The progress of the UDAN scheme and the emergence of new airlines further reinforce India’s aviation prowess. India’s civil aviation sector is set to become a cornerstone of transportation, offering unparalleled opportunities and experiences for passengers.
You May like This News : Putin Praises Modi’s ‘Make in India’ Initiative
