The central government is preparing to streamline environmental clearance procedures for airport projects to accelerate infrastructure development across the country. According to officials, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is working with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to establish a single-window mechanism for faster approval of greenfield and brownfield airports.

The proposal seeks to reduce the time required for obtaining environmental clearance by simplifying inter-ministerial coordination and standardising assessment parameters. The move is part of the government’s larger effort to promote ease of doing business and attract greater investment in aviation infrastructure.

Officials noted that India’s expanding aviation network, with several new airports planned under the UDAN scheme and public-private partnerships, has heightened the need for an efficient approval system.

Once implemented, the new framework is expected to benefit upcoming airport projects in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, where several proposals are in advanced stages of planning.

The initiative aligns with India’s goal to enhance regional air connectivity and support sustainable airport infrastructure development.