SOURCE: AFI
In a bid to enhance air connectivity across India, the government has announced a strategic initiative to increase the number of airstrips and develop more defence airfields for civil aircraft operations. This ambitious plan aims to improve regional connectivity, support economic growth, and ensure efficient utilization of existing infrastructure.
The government’s plan involves the expansion and modernization of airstrips across the country. By increasing the number of operational airstrips, the initiative seeks to provide better access to remote and underserved regions, facilitating easier travel for both passengers and cargo. This move is expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and regional trade, contributing to the overall economic development of these areas.
A key component of this initiative is the development of defence airfields for dual-use, allowing them to support both military and civil aircraft operations. This approach not only maximizes the use of existing infrastructure but also ensures that civil aviation can benefit from the strategic locations and robust facilities of defence airfields. By integrating civil aviation operations into defence airfields, the government aims to enhance connectivity without the need for extensive new construction projects, thereby saving time and resources.
The government plans to implement this initiative in a phased manner, prioritizing regions with the greatest need for improved connectivity. The phased approach will allow for careful planning and execution, ensuring that each new airstrip and dual-use airfield is developed to meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency.