India targets 400 airports by 2047, says aviation minister

30 Oct 2025 CW Team

In a message delivered on his behalf at the inaugural session of the first Asia Pacific Region Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting held at Vigyan Bhawan, Naidu said the Asia-Pacific region has consistently set benchmarks in aviation safety oversight and accident prevention through close collaboration among member nations. “The region’s accident rate has consistently remained lower than the global average over the past decade,” he noted.

Highlighting India’s progress in aligning with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms, the minister said India’s compliance score has risen to 85 per cent from 70 per cent in 2018, while its global ranking has improved from 112 to 55.

The four-day meeting, hosted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), brought together officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ICAO’s Asia-Pacific regional office, and delegates from several countries.

AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar urged participants to strengthen global aviation safety through detailed investigations and actionable recommendations. He also offered India’s aviation laboratories to member nations for defect analysis and accident probe support.

Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said India has adopted ICAO’s Annex 13 standards under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and is investing in capacity-building initiatives. These include plans for a National Aviation Safety Centre at Jewar, auditor training at Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU), and institutional strengthening of DGCA and AAIB under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.

ICAO APAC-AIG Chairman Stuart Godley and Secretary Anam also addressed the event, stressing the importance of regional cooperation, data sharing, and safety implementation to enhance the overall aviation safety framework.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday announced that India aims to establish between 350 and 400 airports by 2047, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, growth, and air safety standards across the country. In a message delivered on his behalf at the inaugural session of the first Asia Pacific Region Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting held at Vigyan Bhawan, Naidu said the Asia-Pacific region has consistently set benchmarks in aviation safety oversight and accident prevention through close collaboration among member nations. “The region’s accident rate has consistently remained lower than the global average over the past decade,” he noted. Highlighting India’s progress in aligning with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms, the minister said India’s compliance score has risen to 85 per cent from 70 per cent in 2018, while its global ranking has improved from 112 to 55. The four-day meeting, hosted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), brought together officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ICAO’s Asia-Pacific regional office, and delegates from several countries. AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar urged participants to strengthen global aviation safety through detailed investigations and actionable recommendations. He also offered India’s aviation laboratories to member nations for defect analysis and accident probe support. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said India has adopted ICAO’s Annex 13 standards under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and is investing in capacity-building initiatives. These include plans for a National Aviation Safety Centre at Jewar, auditor training at Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU), and institutional strengthening of DGCA and AAIB under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. ICAO APAC-AIG Chairman Stuart Godley and Secretary Anam also addressed the event, stressing the importance of regional cooperation, data sharing, and safety implementation to enhance the overall aviation safety framework.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

Tripura Rail Survey Approved For Jirania–Bodhjung Link

The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed new railway line between Jirania and Bodhjung Nagar in Tripura. The planned section will span 14 km and is estimated to cost around Rs 4.2 million, with the entire alignment located within West Tripura district. The approval marks a key step towards strengthening railway infrastructure and supporting industrial growth in the state. Bodhjung Nagar is Tripura’s principal industrial and commercial hub, developed mainly for resource-based industries such as rubber, bamboo and food processing. The proposed Jirania..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

MCF Raebareli Rolls Out Its 15,000th Passenger Coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, has reached a major production milestone with the manufacture of its 15,000th passenger coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said. During the current financial year 2025–26, the unit has produced a total of 1,310 coaches so far. Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli, MCF is among India’s most advanced passenger coach manufacturing facilities. Built at a cost of around Rs 31.92 billion, the factory has an installed annual capacity of 1,000 coaches and is located about 3 km from Lalganj on the Kanpur–Raebareli Roa..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

RVNL Wins Gandak River Rail Bridge Contract

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award from North Eastern Railway for a major railway infrastructure project valued at Rs 1.65 billion. The contract relates to the construction of the substructure for a key railway bridge over the Gandak River. The bridge will be constructed between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations as part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section. Designed to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, the structure will comprise 14 spans of 61 metres each and will be supported by double D-type well foundations. The des..