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 Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..