Month: April 2025

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TRAI Organises Workshop of Senior officers from States and Union Territories regarding “Regulation on Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity”

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 7:51PM by PIB Delhi

As per the studies, 70-80% mobile data consumption takes places inside buildings or indoor areas.  High frequency bands are used to deliver high speed internet in 4G and 5G technologies. However, high frequences bands get attenuated at higher rate by the building fabric containing steel and concrete walls compared to 2G bands.  With the exponential rise in quantum and speed of data consumption due to progressive digitization of economy, governance and the society in general, good digital connectivity has become very important in the present age. Hence, the good in-building digital connectivity has become an essential requirement. To achieve seamless communication inside buildings, the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) must be planned and developed alongside other essential building services such as water, electricity and safety systems.

The workshop was chaired by Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman TRAI. The workshop received overwhelming response from States and UTs and was attended by over 125 participants, including senior officers from Housing & Urban development and IT department of States/Union Territories.  

Chairman, TRAI in his opening remarks, emphasised that States and UTs can play a pivotal role to drive collaboration among property developers and telecom service providers for facilitating development of DCI in the projects through respective building byelaws. TRAI regulations envisage star ratings of properties for quality of digital connectivity similar to Green Building Ratings of projects or Energy Efficiency Ratings of appliances. The digital connectivity ratings will be live process and cover review of digital connectivity rating during lifecycle of the project. TRAI has already started the process of empanelment or registration of Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs).

The workshop provided details of initiatives taken by TRAI for improving in-building digital connectivity in the country and overview of the “Regulation on Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity, 2024” issued by TRAI on 25th October 2024. The presentation also covered the provisions of National Building Code (NBC) and Model Building By-Laws (MBBL) related to Digital Communication infrastructure. The session covered the rating process in detail by which properties are going to be assessed and rated. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts to gain more insight about inbuilding digital connectivity.

The rating of buildings for digital connectivity will provide uniform standard reference for creating DCI in the country. With adoption of rating framework in the bylaws, the end user of residential and commercial properties will be able to make informed choices at the time of buying or leasing the properties. Further, the quality of experience in public buildings will also improve with the help of rating framework. Under the regulation, the consumer may also seek review of ratings in case of degradation of digital connectivity in the property. Like wise property mangers can seek review of ratings if they carry out significant improvements.

The workshop concluded with the closing remarks by Dr. M. P. Tangirala, Member, TRAI.

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Samrat

(Release ID: 2123585) Visitor Counter : 79

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Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik chairs the 4th meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of distribution utilities in the country

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik chairs the 4th meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of distribution utilities in the country

Regulatory reforms, cost reflective tariff

Financial restructuring of DISCOMs to improve efficiency and quality  of operation

Reducing cost of Generation is essential to improving viability of Utilities

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, chaired the 4th meeting of Group of Ministers constituted for addressing issues related to viability of electricity distribution utilities in Vijayawada today.

Shri A. K Sharma, Energy Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Energy Minister, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Hiralal Nagar, Minster of State for Energy, Rajasthan and Smt. Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Minister of State for Energy, Maharashtra as members of the Group attended the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior representatives from All India DISCOM Association (AIDA), senior officials from Central Government, State Governments, State Power Utilities of Member States and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd.

Union Minister of State in his opening address welcomed Energy Ministers from the member States and thanked Energy Minister, Andhra Pradesh, for hosting the meeting. He highlighted about the deliberations held during the first three meetings of GoM regarding challenges being faced by the distribution utilities and stressed upon the need for regulatory reforms. He also mentioned about the key actionable items identified by GoM till the last held meeting including the steps that needs to be taken by the Central and the State Governments for improving efficiency of utilities.

Hon’ble Minister highlighted about the collective responsibilities of State Governments and Regulatory Commissions for making distribution sector sustainable.

In his address, Energy Minister, Andhra Pradesh thanked the Union Minister of State for having the 4th meeting of the Group of Ministers in Vijayawada.

All India DISCOMs Association (AIDA), as a special invitee, also made a presentation on the subject. It was mentioned that SERCs need to comply with Tariff Policy and Rules while finalising the Tariff petitions of the Utilities. It was also mentioned that there is a need for having a comprehensive review of the tariff policy which is in sync with the present requirements and challenges of the Utilities and its consumers.

Joint Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Power, GoI made a presentation highlighting key areas of intervention. He presented the key parameters reflecting the present financial status of the utilities of the member States, and major regulatory disallowances in their tariff/true-up orders. It was also presented that the annual revenue increase of most of the utilities is not commensurate with the increase in debt being taken by them. The presentation also highlighted the action plan proposed to reduce the outstanding debts and losses of the distribution utilities.

The key points of discussions included role that the State Governments may play for ensuring cost reflective tariff, in ensuring timely payment of subsidies and Government department dues, expediting works ongoing under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme including the smart metering works, increasing the use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to improve power purchase optimisation and demand forecasting, etc. The States also requested support of GoI in reforming its distribution sector through measures like distribution franchisee/privatization/ introduction of parallel licensee, etc.

It was emphasised by the Member States that the Group of Ministers may be continued beyond submission of the final report, and on a rotation basis States may be invited to brainstorm on the issues affecting the power sector as a whole. It was proposed to hold a dedicated session on measure for reducing Power Purchase costs by inviting all the stakeholders.

The Group of Ministers reiterated its commitment and expressed resolve to take necessary measures for improving the financial viability of distribution utilities.

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SK

(Release ID: 2123583) Visitor Counter : 53

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India hosts inaugural Capacity Building Programme for Central Asian Republics on combating terrorism financing

Source: Government of India

India hosts inaugural Capacity Building Programme for Central Asian Republics on combating terrorism financing

Senior experts from five Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan participated in knowledge exchange

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 7:38PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Revenue (DoR), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), successfully organised the first-ever Capacity Building Programme for Central Asian Republics (CARs) on ‘Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) through Cryptocurrencies, Crowdfunding, and Non-Profit Organisations’. The two-day programme was held on 21st-22nd April, 2025.

 

Bringing together senior experts from five Central Asian countries — Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan — the programme served as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation in tackling terrorism financing. Participants benefited from a series of sessions led by Indian authorities, including representatives from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Cell of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND). Additionally, an expert from the Eurasian Group (EAG), a FATF-style regional body (FSRB), contributed valuable insights on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards, with a focus on the non-profit and virtual asset sectors.

Customised to the specific needs of the Central Asian region, the programme aimed to build technical capacity and deepen understanding of emerging terrorism financing risks. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and the sharing of operational best practices, the initiative fostered a collaborative approach to addressing key challenges.

Technical sessions explored a broad range of issues, including the use of financial intelligence in terrorism-related investigations, the growing threat posed by the misuse of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), and the exploitation of crowdfunding platforms. Additional discussions covered the financing of radicalization and the abuse of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) for terrorist purposes.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation and resilience against terrorism financing, reflecting India’s commitment to global counterterrorism efforts.

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NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2123579) Visitor Counter : 114

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NEW PRIVATE SUBSCRIBERS UNDER NPS CROSS 12 LAKH DURING 2024-25

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

The National Pension System (NPS) has achieved significant growth of private sector subscriber enrolment of over 12 lakh during 2024-25, taking total subscriber number to over 165 lakh by March 2025.

NPS Vatsalya , a scheme specifically designed for minors, introduced in September 2024 has registered over one lakh subscribers .

The Assets Under Management (AUM) for both NPS and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) expanded by 23 percent during 2024-25 to Rs 14.43 lakh crore by end-March 2025.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2123577) Visitor Counter : 23

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Minority Affairs MoS inaugurates orientation-cum-training programme for Haj deputationists for Haj-2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 7:23PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian today inaugurated the orientation-cum-training programme of selected Haj deputationists of Haj 2025 for two days on 22nd and 23rd April, 2025 at SCOPE Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. In his inaugural address, the Minister of State, appreciating the role of Haj deputationists as crucial enablers in successful Haj operations, exhorted the deputationists to perform the duties assigned to them with utmost sincerity and commitment.  In total, 620 deputationists (266 administrative and 354 medical) have been selected this year in order to assist CGI Jeddah in effective Haj management in Saudi Arabia with the objective of serving Indian Haj pilgrims.

These deputationists have been selected through a rigorous selection process and during the orientation-cum-training programme, they are being trained on different issues including overview of Haj operations, role of deputationists, health issues, crowd and disaster management, and the Haj Suvidha App before being deputed to Saudi Arabia. Special emphasis is being made to acquaint  the deputationists with the functioning of Haj Suvidha App, which was introduced during Haj-2024 and played a crucial role in information dissemination and grievance redressal of Indian Haj pilgrims. Building on the success of the App during Haj-2024, the Government intends to further realise its potential by effectively providing training to the deputationists.

Further, since management of the Indian Haj pilgrimage is the largest logistical exercise managed by Government of India outside the country’s borders, the orientation-cum-training programme for Haj deputationists would contribute towards  helping Indian pilgrims in successfully performing Haj.

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2123572) Visitor Counter : 124

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Bharat Pavilion to be unveiled at WAVES 2025

Source: Government of India

Bharat Pavilion to be unveiled at WAVES 2025

To take through a journey of India’s Cultural Brilliance and Media Evolution

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 6:51PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 22 April 2025

 

As the world gathers for WAVES 2025 – the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in Mumbai – India will proudly unveil the Bharat Pavilion, a vibrant tribute to the country’s profound legacy of storytelling and its growing influence in the global media and entertainment landscape.

Guided by the theme “Kala to Code” the Pavilion will celebrate India’s spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — and showcase how the country’s artistic traditions have long been a beacon of creativity, harmony and cultural diplomacy.

Rooted in legacy and driven by innovation; India now looks to the future — ready to lead the world in storytelling, technology and transformative cultural exchange.

At the core of the Bharat Pavilion are four immersive zones that will take visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions:

  • Shruti – spotlighting oral traditions, from Vedic chants and folk ballads to classical music, radio and the spoken word.
  • Kriti – highlighting written legacies, tracing the journey from cave engravings and palm-leaf manuscripts to the evolution of print media, literature and modern publishing.
  • Drishti – exploring visual expression, from ancient dance forms, puppetry and folk theatre to India’s thriving cinema, television, digital and immersive storytelling ecosystems.
  • Creator’s Leap – showcasing the future of storytelling with cutting edge technology

Through these experiential zones, visitors are invited to witness how India’s timeless narratives have evolved into powerful modern media formats. From the echoes of Om to the beat of the tabla, from the etched symbols of Bhimbetka to today’s digital screens, from the dance of Nataraja to cinematic blockbusters—the Pavilion will be a living archive of how India shaped and continues to shape the global storyscape.

But this is more than a cultural showcase—it is a declaration of India’s creative prowess and future-forward vision. With many OTT platforms, a tech-savvy mobile-first audience, world-class VFX, gaming and animation studios, as well as a thriving Startup ecosystem, India stands as one of the fastest-growing media and entertainment markets in the world.

The Bharat Pavilion stands as a dynamic platform for creators, collaborators and change makers across the media and entertainment ecosystem. It will present a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to connect with India’s exceptional talent, advanced storytelling technologies and rapidly expanding market potential. More than a showcase of cultural heritage, the Bharat Pavilion will be a reflection of strong government support in fostering cross-cultural partnerships and investment — positioning itself as a Global centre for creative innovation and collaboration.

Bharat Pavilion at WAVES 2025 is where ancient inspiration will meet cutting-edge innovation. With its rich cultural legacy, unparalleled creative talent and world-class technological capabilities; India is poised to emerge as a Global leader in media and entertainment—ready to captivate and inspire the world.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rabee/ Sriyanka/ Darshana | 101

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

(Release ID: 2123557) Visitor Counter : 113

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Prime Minister strongly condemns the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 6:51PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, today.”Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. They will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger”, Shri Modi added. 

The Prime Minister posted on X :

“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. 

Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

 

 

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MJPS/VJ

(Release ID: 2123552) Visitor Counter : 188

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Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 promotes cultural co-operation

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 promotes cultural co-operation 
The theme of the Forum is “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All”. Officiating at the Panel opening today, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, highlighted that the world has undergone rapid and vigourous changes and technological advancement is something inevitable. A people-oriented approach should be adopted to promote the arts and cultural development, i.e. to connect more with people, to create more for people and to engage more people. Making good use of Hong Kong as an East meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and the largest art trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong will surely continue to work hard to make our name card more shiny and tell good stories of Hong Kong.
 
In addition to the speeches given by Miss Law and Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Gao Zheng in the Panel, participating cultural ministers and senior officials from Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam also took turns to speak.

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, hosted the gala dinner for the delegations as well as local cultural leaders. Local musicians, all-inclusive orchestra and a cappella choir were invited by the forum to perform in the dinner, showcasing a blend of Chinese and Western traditional and contemporary music, demonstrating to the guests the diversified and vibrant of art and culture scene in Hong Kong.
 
In his speech at the dinner, Mr Chan pointed out that the Government has been actively fostering the city’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange with the clear national support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan. With its unique advantage of blending Chinese and Western cultures and its extensive international connections, Hong Kong will become a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
 
The delegations attending the forum visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) yesterday (April 21). They will attend the plenary session and visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District tomorrow (April 23).
 
The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum has been held since 2003 with the aim of promoting cultural co-operation and exchanges among regions. Drawing on the success of past forums, this year’s forum is themed “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All” and has expanded its scale. In addition to inviting more Asian countries to participate, Belt and Road countries outside of Asia are invited to participate for the first time to further promote cultural exchanges with countries in the region.
Issued at HKT 20:54

NNNN

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QCI Celebrates Panchayati Raj Diwas for empowering villages for a Viksit Bharat

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

Quality Council of India, QCI, celebrated Panchayati Raj Diwas in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti with a programme themed ‘Leadership for Swachh & Sujal Grams’.

Organized as a part of Sarpanch Samvaad, an initiative by the Quality Council of India, the day-long event spotlighted the role of grassroots leaders in driving quality-led transformation in rural India. It brought together over 200 sarpanchs, policy leaders, subject matter experts, and senior government officials from across the country.

Following successful engagements under the Sarpanch Samvaad initiative, this special edition served as a dynamic platform to showcase grassroots efforts, encourage peer learning, and align panchayat-level development with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Reflecting on QCI’s commitment to the grassroots, Union Minister of Jal Shakti,Shri C.R. Paatil, stated, “Sarpanch Samvaad by QCI is a powerful platform where Sarpanchs can directly raise their ground-level concerns, which the Ministry will take forward for resolution. To fulfil the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Sarpanchs must champion Swachh and Sujal Grams through initiatives like rainwater harvesting. The voice of Bharat begins at the village, and it must echo at the top.”

Sessions throughout the day covered key issues ranging from water security and sanitation sustainability to the roadmap for Swachh and Sujal Grams, with active participation from sarpanchs across the country.

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Shri Ashok K.K Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti; Shri Jaxay Shah, Chairperson, Quality Council of India; Shri Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General, QCI; and Shri Himanshu Patel, Co-opted Member, Governing Body, QCI.

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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2123542) Visitor Counter : 95

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India’s Aviation Revolution

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Civil Aviation

India’s Aviation Revolution

From Regional Runways to Global Routes

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi

 

“Among the fastest-growing sectors in Bharat’s economy, aviation is one of them. We are connecting our people, culture, and prosperity through this sector. With 4 billion people, a rapidly growing middle class, and the resulting increase in demand, this is a significant driving force for the sector’s development.”

 

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

Summary

 

  • Parliament passed the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aligning India’s aviation leasing laws with global standards to reduce leasing costs.
  • The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 modernized India’s aviation sector, replacing the colonial-era Aircraft Act from 1934.
  • India’s domestic air passenger traffic reached a historic milestone, surpassing 5 lakh passengers in a single day in 2024.
  • Entering its 9th year, the UDAN scheme has successfully operationalized 619 routes and 88 airports, with plans to expand to 120 additional destinations.
  • UDAN Yatri Cafés launched at Kolkata and Chennai Airports, providing passengers with affordable, quality food.
  • Rapid aviation infrastructure expansion continued, with significant progress in operationalizing Greenfield airports and upgrading existing facilities nationwide.

 

 

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ushered in an era of transformative growth and innovation in India’s aviation sector. Driven by groundbreaking legislative reforms, extensive infrastructure expansion, and an unwavering commitment to connectivity, safety, and sustainability, the Ministry has achieved landmark milestones, positioning India among the world’s leading aviation markets. This article outlines the Ministry’s strategic initiatives and key accomplishments, reflecting a robust aviation ecosystem poised to support India’s ambitions of becoming a developed nation by 2047—Viksit Bharat @2047. The following sections highlight the key pillars of this transformation—legislation, infrastructure, inclusivity, sustainability, and global integration—underscoring India’s emergence as a capable aviation powerhouse.

 

Legislative Reforms Driving Systemic Transformation

  • Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 – This pivotal legislation, steered through Parliament by Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and passed in April 2025, aligns India’s aircraft leasing and financing framework with international standards set by the Cape Town Convention, 2001. By addressing gaps in legal enforcement, the Bill is strategically designed to reduce aircraft leasing costs for Indian carriers, which were previously 8-10% higher than in other nations. This is expected to boost investor confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation market significantly. The intended impact of the Bill includes reduced risk premiums, lower interest rates, and lease costs for passengers and shippers. It also aims for better contract enforceability and repossession certainty, fostering the growth of domestic leasing hubs.
  • Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 – This landmark Act was passed by both houses of Parliament in 2024 and came into force on 1st January 2025. It represents a significant step in modernising India’s aviation sector by re-enacting and updating the colonial-era Aircraft Act, 1934. The Adhiniyam aims to foster indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, align regulations with international conventions such as the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and streamline regulatory processes by simplifying license issuance. It also removes redundancies and introduces provisions for appeals.

Infrastructure Expansion: Building the Future of Indian Aviation

  • Foundation Laid for New Terminal Capacity: Significant infrastructure development is underway, including the laying of foundations for new terminals at key locations such as Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra.
  • Operationalisation of Greenfield Airports: Since 2014, 12 Greenfield Airports have been operationalised out of 21 ‘in-principle’ approved airports. These include Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar (Hollongi), Mopa, Shivamogga, and Rajkot (Hirasar). Furthermore, development at Noida (Jewar) and Navi Mumbai International Airports is progressing rapidly, with operationalisation targeted for the first quarter of FY 2025-26. The government has set an ambitious target of developing 50 more airports in the next 5 years and connecting 120 new destinations in the next 10 years.
  • Significant Capital Expenditure in Airport Infrastructure: A substantial CAPEX of over ₹ 91,000 crore is planned for airport infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) during FY 2019-20 to FY 2024-25, with approximately ₹ 82,600 crores already spent by November 2024.

 

RCS–UDAN: Democratising Air Travel and Boosting Regional Growth

  • RCS-UDAN Connecting India: The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), now in its 9th year since its launch in October 2016, has operationalised 619 routes and connected 88 airports across the country. This scheme embodies the government’s commitment to affordable air travel and promoting balanced regional development.
  • Expansion of Regional Connectivity: In 2024 alone, 102 new RCS routes were launched, including 20 in the North Eastern States. The scheme has facilitated affordable air travel for 1.5 crore passengers, and it aims to extend this to 4 crore more in the next decade through a revamped UDAN initiative to add 120 new destinations. The scheme also prioritises connecting remote, hilly, and aspirational districts, including the North Eastern region, through support for helipads and smaller airports.
  • Affordable Food at Airports with UDAN Yatri Café: The UDAN Yatri Café initiative, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of democratising air travel, was launched to provide affordable and quality airport food options. Cafés have been inaugurated at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and Chennai Airport, offering tea for ₹10 and samosas for ₹20. The Kolkata café has seen significant success, leading to the nationwide expansion of the initiative.

 

Skyrocketing Passenger Traffic Reflects Sectoral Momentum

  • Exponential Growth in Domestic Passengers: In 2024, domestic air passenger traffic more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh, a remarkable increase from the 10 crore 38 lakh passengers recorded in the 65 years preceding 2014. Domestic air passenger traffic grew by 5.9% in the January-November period of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, crossing the milestone of 5 lakh passengers in a single day for the first time on November 17, 2024.

 

  • Strong Growth in International Traffic: International routes also experienced substantial growth, with 64.5 million passengers carried between January and November 2024, marking an 11.4% increase.
  • India Emerges as a Top Global Aviation Market: The total number of air passengers annually has exceeded 350 million, firmly establishing India as the third-largest aviation market globally. Over the past decade, domestic air passenger traffic has grown 10-12% annually.

 

Safety, Technology, and Seamless Travel

  • State-of-the-Art DFDR & CVR Laboratory Inaugurated: A significant stride towards enhancing aviation safety was the inauguration of the advanced Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (DFDR & CVR) Laboratory at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in New Delhi. This ₹9 crore facility will significantly improve the effectiveness of identifying the root causes of incidents and ensuring accountability, thereby contributing to a safer aviation ecosystem. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supported the establishment of this crucial lab.
  • Expansion of Digi Yatra for Seamless Travel: Digi Yatra services to 24 airports have significantly enhanced passenger convenience and security. This initiative provides a seamless, contactless travel experience for passengers. Over 80 lakh users have downloaded the app, and more than 4 crore journeys have been completed using the Digi Yatra facility.
  • Guidelines Launched for Seaplane Operations: The Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India were launched on 22nd August 2024 to enhance regional connectivity further. These guidelines prioritise safety and security and aim to facilitate the commencement of seaplane operations across the country. UDAN Round 5.5 includes invitations for bids for seaplane operations from over 50 water bodies.

 

Sustainability and Capacity Building: Preparing for Tomorrow

  • Driving Green Energy Adoption at Airports: The Ministry actively promotes sustainable aviation, with around 80 airports now operating on 100% green energy. The aspiration is to transition over 100 airports to renewable energy sources. Bengaluru Airport has achieved the highest Carbon Accreditation Level 5 by Airports Council International (ACI), while Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad airports have achieved Level 4+ accreditation, becoming carbon neutral. Chennai Airport also operates entirely on green energy and houses a 1.5 MW solar power plant.
  • Addressing the Growing Demand for Pilots: Recognizing the increasing need for trained pilots, estimated at 30,000 to 34,000 in the next 10-15 years, the Ministry is actively working on expanding the number of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and the annual issuance of commercial pilot licenses.
  • Aviation Career Guidance for Students: To nurture future talent, Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu launched a ‘Career Guidance Programme in Aviation’ for school students at the Indian Aviation Academy. The programme aims to inspire and educate students about diverse career opportunities within the sector. The Minister highlighted the significant demand for pilots and the government’s commitment to developing domestic talent.

 

Additional Milestones in Aviation Growth

 

  • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO): A uniform 5% Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate has been introduced for aircraft parts to promote India as a competitive global MRO hub.
  • Gender Inclusion: India boasts 13–18% of women pilots, which ranks among the highest globally. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) targets 25% representation of women in all aviation roles by 2025.
  • International Recognition: The 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was successfully hosted in New Delhi, culminating in the Delhi Declaration.
  • Air Cargo Infrastructure: Cargo handling capacity reached 8 million MT in FY24, growing at 10 %+ annually with a new focus on warehousing for perishables and streamlined customs protocols.

Charting the Path to Viksit Bharat @2047

The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains resolutely committed to positioning India as a global aviation leader, driving transformative change through visionary policies, world-class infrastructure, and inclusive, sustainable growth. As India continues to break records in passenger traffic, expand regional connectivity, and modernise aviation frameworks, the nation is firmly set on an upward trajectory toward becoming a vibrant global aviation hub. These concerted efforts enhance travel experiences for millions and bolster economic prosperity, strengthen national integration, and empower India to confidently soar towards its vision of becoming a developed nation—Viksit Bharat @2047.

References

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar / Sheetal Angral/ Vatsla Srivastava

(Release ID: 2123537)