The Aryavarth Express New Delhi [India], March 26: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on Thursday raised concerns over systemic issues in India’s civil aviation sector, citing safety lapses, operational challenges in the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), and critical manpower shortages at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Highlighting recent incidents, the committee pointed to the Ahmedabad crash that claimed 260 lives, nearly 100 safety lapses in a single year, and 19 safety violation notices, noting these as indicative of a systemic pattern. It recommended the formation of an independent High-Level Committee on Aviation Safety to conduct a comprehensive review and submit a report within six months.
Regarding the UDAN scheme, the committee observed that 657 routes have been operationalized with a cumulative expenditure exceeding ₹9,200 crore, but noted the absence of a structured exit strategy for routes completing the VGF subsidy period, with over 150 awarded routes yet to commence. It called for an independent impact assessment to evaluate route-wise viability, cost per passenger, and self-sustainability of the scheme.
The committee also flagged severe manpower shortages at the DGCA, which currently has 843 incumbents against 1,630 sanctioned posts, representing a 48.3% vacancy rate. It recommended a time-bound recruitment and deputation plan to address the shortfall.
India handles over 350 million passengers annually but lacks a statutory passenger rights framework. The panel suggested the development of a Passenger Rights Charter under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, covering compensation, delay management, and accountability standards.
On airport finances, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reported revenue of ₹20,648.25 crore and profit of ₹7,233.28 crore in FY 2024-25, but its capital investment of ₹4,699.92 crore through I&EBR is not included in the Demands for Grants. The committee recommended enhanced parliamentary oversight of AAI’s capital investment programme.
