Union Govt Plans To Double The Number Of Airports To Over 200 By 2024

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, called for cooperation and support of all stakeholders, particularly States and UTs, in strengthening the Civil Aviation sector.

Addressing the Conference of the ministers of Civil Aviation from States and UTs on Friday (19 November), Scindia said that the sector contributes significantly to the country's economic development but is probably the worst sufferer due to the pandemic.

He said that the sector has a large cost-benefit ratio and also huge employment potential. Scindia also called upon states to facilitate new airports by swiftly handling the land allotment issues.

He said that the ministry will be doubling the airports and taking the number to 200 plus by 2023-24. The minister emphasised setting up at least one heliport in each district in collaboration with States/UTs. On the issue of seaplanes, the minister said that the states should provide capital support for this initiative.

On the issue of drones, Scindia said that it is the Prime Minister's vision to have a leadership role for the country in the sector, and rules have been framed for promoting it.

"Production Linked Initiative in the sector will provide further push. Similarly, new initiatives have been taken in the sectors of MRO, Flying Training Organizations, Last Mile Connectivity, Cargo handling, Krishi Udaan, so that the bottlenecks are removed, and the sector gains the growth and pre-eminence," he said.