-
17 Jul 2025
GS Paper 3
Economy
Day 28: India’s airport infrastructure is growing rapidly, but does it adequately address the imperatives of safety, sustainability, and regional connectivity? Critically examine with reference to the recent developments in the civil aviation sector. (250 words)
Approach :
- Start by highlighting the rapid expansion of India’s civil aviation sector.
- Critically assess how well the sector addresses the key concerns of safety, environmental sustainability, and regional connectivity.
- Support the analysis with recent examples and developments.
- Conclude with a suitable way forward.
Introduction:
India's civil aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with over 140 operational airports and passenger traffic projected to surpass 520 million by 2027. Infrastructure expansion through public-private partnerships, greenfield projects, and regional initiatives like UDAN is transforming the aviation landscape. However, the rapid pace of development raises concerns over whether safety, sustainability, and regional connectivity are being addressed adequately.
Body:
Safety: Improvements and Gaps
- Progress:
- DGCA modernization, aviation audits, and stricter safety protocols have improved oversight.
- The introduction of GAGAN (GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation) and modern Air Traffic Control systems improved flight safety and precision.
- ISRO and AAI's collaboration for satellite-based navigation is underway.
- Concerns:
- The June 2025 crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad exposed systemic issues of technical reliability, emergency response, and airport congestion.
- Rising instances of pilot fatigue, runway incursions, and near-miss events (e.g., Delhi airport incident, 2024).
- Shortage of trained ground staff and certified technicians.
- Increasing air traffic at metro airports poses congestion-related risks.
Sustainability: Ambitious Goals, Uneven Execution
- Initiatives:
- Cochin International Airport: First in the world to run entirely on solar power.
- Airports Authority of India (AAI) has committed to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030 for major airports.
- Use of green building codes in new terminals (e.g., Jewar Airport in Noida is planned as a net-zero facility).
- Challenges:
- Aviation accounts for 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, and India's growing fleet size risks increasing its carbon footprint.
- Lack of widespread adoption of electric ground vehicles, biofuels, and carbon offsetting practices.
Regional Connectivity: UDAN's Mixed Record
- Achievements:
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme operationalized over 475 routes and 74 unserved/underserved airports.
- Boosted air travel accessibility in regions like North-East, Uttarakhand, and smaller towns in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Limitations:
- Many UDAN routes have low Passenger Load Factors (PLF) and struggle with financial viability.
- Some operational airports remain underutilized due to lack of supporting infrastructure (e.g., last-mile connectivity).
Conclusion:
As J.R.D. Tata, the father of Indian aviation, emphasized, “Efficiency and safety must be the twin pillars of aviation.” A long-term strategy focusing on green aviation, robust regulation, and viable regional air networks is essential to make India’s aviation growth both responsible and resilient.
