Union Budget 2025-26: Enhancing India’s Aviation Sector

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament today. The budget includes significant announcements that aim to strengthen regional connectivity across India. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has welcomed these initiatives, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving air travel accessibility for all citizens.

Focus on Regional Connectivity

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu, expressed his appreciation for the budget’s emphasis on connectivity and tourism. He stated, โ€œThis Budget propels us toward our vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.โ€ The government aims to enhance regional connectivity with the concept of โ€˜Ease of Travel.โ€™ A key initiative in this regard is UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), which has transformed air travel in India. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UDAN has made flying more accessible to the middle class.

Since its inception, UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore passengers to experience affordable air travel. The government has set an ambitious target to extend this benefit to an additional 4 crore passengers over the next decade. The scheme has successfully operationalized 619 routes and connected 88 airports across the country. To build on this success, a revamped UDAN initiative will be launched, adding 120 new destinations. This expansion will also support helipads and smaller airports in remote and hilly areas, particularly in the North Eastern region.

Growth of the Aviation Market

India’s aviation market is experiencing remarkable growth. The number of air passengers has surpassed 350 million, making India the third-largest aviation market in the world. Over the past decade, domestic air passenger traffic has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The number of airports in the country has more than doubled, reaching a total of 159.

To meet the rising demand for air travel, the government plans to develop 50 more airports in the next five years. Special attention will be given to the eastern region, where Greenfield airports will be established in Bihar. This initiative aims to address the future needs of the state. Additionally, the capacity of Patna airport will be expanded, and a brownfield airport will be developed at Bihta. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing air travel infrastructure and accessibility.

Upgrading Air Cargo Infrastructure

The Union Budget also emphasizes the importance of upgrading air cargo infrastructure in India. The air cargo sector is growing at an impressive rate of over 10% annually. By FY24, airport cargo handling capacity is expected to reach 8.0 million metric tons. The government is particularly focused on improving air cargo warehousing, especially for perishables. This initiative will create greater market opportunities for Indian producers and enhance both exports and domestic trade efficiency.

To streamline operations, the government plans to enhance cargo screening and customs protocols. These improvements will promote ease of doing business in the air cargo sector. By investing in infrastructure and efficiency, the government aims to position India as a key player in the global air cargo market.

Source link


Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editorโ€™s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button