Tag Archives: Murlidhar Mohol

Pune to get direct Dubai flights from Oct 27: MoS Civil Aviation

The city of Pune in Maharashtra is set to get direct daily flights to Dubai, and three-times-a-week service to Bangkok from October 27, Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, announced yesterday.

Mohol made the announcement on his X handle on Thursday evening.

Mohol stated that the demand from Pune residents over the past several months is now being addressed. He added that Pune’s direct connection to an important financial centre like Dubai will undoubtedly benefit both Pune and western Maharashtra.

“It is believed that the daily connectivity between Pune and Dubai will reduce the gap between the two cities and open up new avenues for economic progress. Moreover, tourist destinations like Bangkok will also be directly connected to Pune,” he said.

 

Aviation Minister unveils Digi Yatra facility at 9 more airports

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, has inaugurated the Digi Yatra facility for nine airports at Visakhapatnam International Airport and virtually launched this facility for eight other AAI’s airports, namely Coimbatore, Dabolim, Indore, Bagdogra, Ranchi, Patna, Raipur, and Bhubaneshwar airports.

During the launch event, the Aviation Minister highlighted how Digi Yatra simplifies the cumbersome task of managing multiple documents—boarding passes, ID proofs and luggage tags while navigating the airport crowd.

The Airport entry time for a passenger has reduced from an average 15 seconds in manual process to 5 seconds. Over 55 lakh users have already downloaded the app, and more than 3 crore passengers have used Digi Yatra to travel.

Since its launch of the first Digi Yatra facility at three airports, New Delhi, Varanasi, and Bengaluru, on December 1, 2022, the total number of Digi Yatra-enabled airports will become twenty-four, including nine airports of today.

The Minister further highlighted the significance of Digi Yatra’s introduction, stating, “Its introduction was very well in time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for minimising physical contact became more urgent than ever. Digi Yatra offered contactless and paperless processing at key airport checkpoints. Since its inception, the system has helped save thousands of sheets of paper daily across airports, supporting our broader goal of sustainable development in the aviation sector.”

On the issue of data security, Naidu reaffirmed the government’s commitment, said, “Even on the floor of Lok Sabha, I have emphasised that Digi Yatra is built on a foundation of robust data security. Today also, I would like to put it very clearly that there is no central storage of passengers’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII). All passenger data is encrypted and stored securely in their smartphones, shared only temporarily with the origin airport, and destroyed within 24 hours of departure. Privacy of every traveller is paramount for us, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation would not compromise on it.”

Digi Yatra is a transformative digital initiative of the government to enhance the passenger experience with seamless, contactless, and paperless boarding at airports based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT). It helps travellers pass through various checkpoints at the airports through paperless and contactless processing using facial features to validate their identity and travel details.

Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation and Union Civil Aviation Secretary, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam also joined the event through video conferencing. Shri M. Suresh, Chairman, AAI, Sri Sribharat Mathukumilli, Member of Parliament for Lok sabha (Visakhapatnam), and Shri P.G.V.R. Naidu (Gana Babu), Member of Legislative asssembly of Andhra Pradesh, Shri P.K Thakur, DDG,MoCA and other senior officials of MoCA and AAI were also present during the event.

Aviation Minister launches Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has launched the Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India.

During his address at the event at the Indian Aviation Academy in Delhi yesterday, Union Minister said that these guidelines not only integrate seaplane operations into India’s aviation landscape for transportation, but also create jobs and foster economic empowerment, making seaplanes a symbol of the country’s growth, innovation, and commitment to inclusive development.

He also launched the 5.4 version of the UDAN. Under UDAN 5.4, fresh bids would be invited for the routes which were cancelled for some reason or the other, to provide connectivity on unserved routes. The Minister also announced that the demonstration flights of the seaplane by manufacturer DeHavilland would be held shortly.

Addressing the occasion, he underlined about India’s 7517 km long coastline and extensive network of rivers and lakes which present a unique opportunity for the development of seaplane operations in the country.

On careful study of the situation and drawing from the experience of the helicopter operations, the Government has taken a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the growth of seaplane operations.

The guidelines would enable the seaplane operations under RCS to make use of the operations under a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP). The extension of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the RCS to seaplane operations would provide the initial fillip to the Operators. While seeking to promote seaplane operations, due care has been taken to ensure the safety and security of the operations.

The Minister further informed that despite initial challenges, particularly in the development of water aerodromes, the Government has taken a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the continued growth of seaplane operations.
Drawing inspiration from the success of NSOP operations for helicopters and small aircraft under the RCS scheme, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has now formulated comprehensive Seaplane NSOP Guidelines. These guidelines prioritize the safety and security of operations and define the responsibilities of all stakeholders, ensuring a seamless and efficient seaplane operation across the nation.

The adoption of the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework for seaplanes is a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.

Union Minister emphasised on need of favourable policy environment for seaplane industry in India and encouragement on research into technologies like electric seaplanes to reduce carbon emissions and align with India’s commitments under the UN Framework on Climate Change. Our goal is to create a regulatory framework that fosters innovation, promotes growth, and generates employment opportunities for pilots, maintenance staff, and ground crews by prioritizing local workforce development. We envision developing Multimodal Transport Hubs for seamless connectivity between seaplanes and other transport modes.

Addressing the occasion, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Ministry of cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol said that this initiative is poised to not only improve connectivity but also to boost tourism, foster economic growth, and bring the most remote areas of India closer together. The newly launched guidelines represent a well-considered framework designed to ensure that seaplane operations are conducted safely, securely, and efficiently, marking a new era in India’s aviation landscape.

Union Civil Aviation Secretary, Vumlunmang Vualnam said in this event the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken a proactive approach. We have decided to leverage the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework for Seaplane Operations, which has already proven successful for helicopters and small aircraft under the RCS scheme.

The Seaplane NSOP Guidelines we are launching today provide a structured and safe framework for seaplane operations to continue and grow, even as we work towards the full development of water aerodrome infrastructure.
The event witnessed the participation of Director General, DGCA, Vikram Dev Dutt and senior officials from Ministry of civil aviation, State and Union Territory Governments, NSOP and SoP operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), seaplane manufacturers, lessors and media personnel, among others.

 

Bagdogra can now host international flights without MoCA approval

The inclusion of Bagdogra Airport in the list of India’s “point-of-call” (PoC) airports marks a significant milestone for international connectivity in North Bengal.

This designation allows Bagdogra to host international flights without requiring prior approval from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), making it easier for airlines to operate directly from the airport.

This development is particularly important because Bagdogra, located just 14 km from Siliguri, serves as a key gateway to the region. With around 60 daily flight movements and approximately 8,000 passengers passing through the airport each day, the addition of more international connections could significantly boost tourism and business in the area.

Currently, Druk Airways is the only international airline operating at Bagdogra, with a route connecting Paro and Bangkok, which includes a stopover at Bagdogra. With the airport’s new status, more international airlines could be attracted to operate flights, enhancing the region’s connectivity to the rest of the world.

The announcement of Bagdogra’s elevation as a PoC airport was made by Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, in the Rajya Sabha.

Mohol also emphasised the need for infrastructure expansion at the airport and suggested that the Bengal government reconsider its decision to impose a 12.5% VAT on air turbine fuel (ATF) at Bagdogra, which could impact the cost and availability of flights.

Government Urges Airlines to Keep Ticket Prices in Check

Airlines have been advised to self-regulate as well as sensitized to exercise moderation in pricing of air tickets, the civil aviation ministry told the Rajya Sabha.

There have been persisting concerns over high airfares, especially during peak and festival seasons. Minister of State for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the ministry holds consultation with airlines and the representatives are advised to self-regulate and keep passengers’ interest in mind while fixing the airfares.

“Airlines have also been sensitised to exercise moderation in pricing and to keep passengers’ interest in mind. The airlines have committed to ensure that airfares do not surge during events such as natural disasters, calamities, etc.,” he said in a written reply.

Under current regulations, airfares are neither established nor regulated by the government after the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994.

“Globally, most countries have deregulated their aviation sector, i.e., removing government-imposed entry and price restrictions on airlines. Deregulation has led to increased competition between airline carriers, leading to decrease in airfare. As a result of deregulation, entry into the airlines industry for a potential new airline has become easier, resulting in many new airlines entering the market, thus increasing competition,” the minister said. He also added that the direct impact of deregulation is that a passenger in a lower income group can afford to travel by air.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has set up a Tariff Monitoring Unit (TMU) that monitors airfares on select domestic sectors on random basis by using airlines websites on monthly basis to ensure that the airlines do not charge airfares outside the range declared by them, Mohol said.

India is one of the world’s fastest growing civil aviation markets.

Navi Mumbai airport to take flight in March 2025

 

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol announced on Sunday that the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will be ready by March 2025 and commence operations immediately. He stated that around 70% of the work at NMIA, initially scheduled for completion by December 2024, has been completed, and the remaining 30% will be finished by March.

During his maiden visit to Pune, his constituency, Mohol also discussed expansion plans for the Pune airport. The expansion will enable wider-body aircraft to land, enhancing international connectivity from Pune. The runway at the existing airport will be expanded to accommodate Type B and D aircraft, which currently cannot operate from Pune due to its limitations.

To facilitate the runway expansion, the airport will need to acquire 35 acres of land, including defense and privately owned land. Officials will meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to facilitate defense land acquisition and clearances.

The compensation for land owners will be split among the Maharashtra government (60%), Pune Municipal Corporation (20%), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (10%), and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (10%).

The new terminal building at Pune airport, valued at INR 475 crore, is ready but not operational due to a lack of security personnel. Airports Authority of India (AAI) is awaiting regulatory clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Mohol has reached out to Home Minister Amit Shah to augment the CISF force, and the new terminal will be operational once the necessary CISF manpower is available.

Additionally, Mohol announced that the Director General of Civil Aviation has approved the Purandar site for Pune’s greenfield international airport. All technical clearances are in place, and the land acquisition process will now begin.