Boosting Aviation Infrastructure

A robust infrastructure, for the thriving aviation industry in India, is essential for sustaining economic growth, as it facilitates the swift movement of goods and people, which enhances business efficiency and global connectivity

Issue: 3 / 2024By Rohit GoelPhoto(s): By RamMNK / X
Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu,
India’s new Minister of Civil Aviation

Following the general elections in the country which saw the Narendra Modi government come back to power for the third time, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and Lok Sabha MP from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, Rammohan Naidu, took charge as the new Minister of Civil Aviation on June 13, 2024. At 36, he is the youngest minister in the recently formed Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Soon after taking over as the Civil Aviation Minister, Naidu said that the key priorities of the ministry would be to create an ‘ease of flying’ scenario, making air travel more accessible and convenient for every citizen. He emphasised that the benefits of aviation should reach every corner of the country, with focus on Tier II and Tier III cities.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat (Developed India), Naidu said “we are going to formulate and implement 100-day action plan to drive immediate progress in the India’s aviation sector. This plan will serve as a stepping stone towards achieving the longterm Vision of Viksit Bharat as India celebrates 100 years of its independence in 2047”. The Union Minister also emphasised on the importance of use of technology in enhancing passenger experience, and plan to leverage artificial intelligence and social media to address passenger concerns effectively. He assured that the ministry would prioritise passenger comfort and convenience in all policy decisions. Naidu further outlined specific initiatives aimed at enhancing air connectivity, promoting eco-friendly practices, and accelerating infrastructure development across the country. He pledged to work closely with state governments, industry stakeholders, and alliance partners to realise these goals.

Finally, it seems that the Government has its priorities correctly worked out for the development of the Aviation sector. A proper plan for the development of Aviation infrastructure in the country is the first step and should not be bypassed. Not just the airlines and the airports but the whole aviation ecosystem needs to be augmented. Infrastructure is the foundation on which any industry thrives. A robust infrastructure is required for the growth of any sector. While it is very heartening to see thousands of aircraft being ordered by Airlines in India, has enough thought been given to the aviation infrastructure that will be required to support the operations of these aircraft. It begs to question where the cockpit and cabin crew for these aircraft will come from; who, how and where will these aircraft be parked and maintained; and do our airports have the capacity to handle a huge influx of passengers on these aircraft. With so many airplanes flying around, upgrading Air Traffic Management systems with advanced technologies like satellite-based navigation will be required to optimise airspace utilisation and ensure smooth air traffic flow.

This whole revamp of aviation ecosystem in the country will require government policy initiatives, incentives and supports, public-private partnership, significant investments, so a roadmap on how to go about doing it, defining all the steps and bringing all stakeholders on board in the right first step. In this regard, the statement “We want to lay a strong foundation on the foundations that have been already laid by my previous ministers,” by the new Civil Aviation Minister becomes critical as it promises continuity in government policies and building on the initiatives already taken. A shared vision with continuity in government policies ensures that the industry can leverage the efforts already put in for the development of the sector.

Additionally, keeping environmental considerations in mind, government policies should promote eco-friendly practices in new and existing airports, including energyefficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and waste management solutions. Airlines should be encouraged to invest in newer aircraft models with lower carbon footprint and noise pollution.

A robust aviation sector is crucial for the growth of a national economy, serving as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and investment. Moreover, it generates significant employment opportunities, both directly within the sector and indirectly through related industries such as manufacturing, services, and tourism. By addressing these points and ensuring a comprehensive approach to aviation infrastructure development, India can create an ecosystem that positions itself as a major player in the global aviation sector. The new Civil Aviation Minister’s focus on boosting Aviation infrastructure by building upon existing initiatives and fostering collaboration among stakeholders is a critical step in the right direction.