India is the third largest aviation market globally with India’s home air visitors is projected to develop 7-10% to 164-170 million in FY25. Nevertheless, safety infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities haven’t scaled on the identical stage with budgetary allocation remaining low at Rs 35 crore, highlighted a current parliamentary panel report.
The discrepancy in funding raises vital questions concerning the prioritisation of regulatory compliance over safety infrastructure and accident investigation, famous the Division-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Tradition, in its Demand for Grants for FY26 report on March 25 this 12 months.
The Directorate Normal of Civil Aviation (DGCA) receives practically half of the capital funds allocation (₹30 crore) whereas the Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) and the Plane Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) obtain Rs 15 crore and Rs 20 crore, respectively. AAIB is investigating the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.
“Whereas regulatory compliance stays important, the speedy enlargement of aviation infrastructure – with airports growing from 74 in 2014 to 147 in 2022 and a goal of 220 by 2024-255 – necessitates proportional development in safety capabilities and accident investigation sources,” mentioned the panel headed by Sanjay Kumar Jha, a Janata Dal (United) MP from Bihar.
Recommending a balanced allocation throughout aviation our bodies to deal with important gaps in safety and investigative sources, the panel mentioned: “In view of the rising complexity of aviation safety threats and the important nature of accident investigations, the Committee finds these allocations comparatively modest.”
“The DGCA, entrusted with regulatory oversight, instructions the biggest share of funds. Whereas its position in guaranteeing compliance with aviation requirements is indeniable, the justification for such a big allocation should be rigorously examined to make sure effectivity and accountability,” it mentioned, including its position in guaranteeing compliance with aviation requirements is indeniable, the justification for such a big allocation should be positive effectivity and accountability.
The Committee in its Motion Taken Report in December 2022 has additionally flagged budgetary allocation to AAIB at Rs 1 crore in FY23.
“The Plane Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been allotted a meagre allocation of Rs 1 crore, towards its projected requirement of Rs 4.40 crore in Price range estimates 2022-23. The Committee, due to this fact, recommends that the Ministry could request the Ministry of Finance to supply AAIB with increased allocation on the Revised Estimates 2022-23 stage to allow it to carry out its features within the desired method and contribute in the direction of enhancing the security side of the civil aviation sector in India,” it had famous.
