India’s Civil Aviation Sector Takes Flight: PM Modi Highlights Unprecedented Growth at Asia Pacific Conference

  • Sept. 12, 2024, 11:04 p.m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's remarkable progress in the civil aviation sector during his address at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, held at Bharat Mandapam. Modi emphasized the transformative journey India has undergone in the last decade, positioning the nation as a key player in the global civil aviation ecosystem.

In his speech, PM Modi showcased the extensive growth of India’s aviation industry, noting that the sector’s expansion has been nothing short of extraordinary. “Today, India remains one of the strong pillars of the world’s top civil aviation ecosystems,” Modi declared. He attributed this success to the unprecedented growth the sector has experienced, marking a significant shift from a previously exclusive mode of travel to one that is increasingly accessible to all segments of society.

Modi highlighted the evolution from a time when air travel in India was predominantly reserved for the affluent and major cities, to an era where even tier 2 and tier 3 cities are seeing a surge in air connectivity. “There was a time when air travel was the privilege of a few,” he said. “Today, citizens from smaller cities are also taking to the skies.”

A cornerstone of this transformation, Modi pointed out, has been the Udaan scheme, a regional connectivity initiative aimed at enhancing access to air travel for underserved and remote areas. “The excellent scheme of regional connectivity has increased the addition and inclusion in India,” he explained. Under this scheme, 14 million passengers have flown so far, with many experiencing air travel for the first time.

The PM also noted that the number of airports in India has doubled over the past decade, a testament to the country’s commitment to expanding its aviation infrastructure. He emphasized that Indian airlines are responding to this growth by placing orders for over 1,200 new aircraft, reflecting both the demand and the sector’s promising future.

The Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference, a significant event in the global civil aviation calendar, served as a platform for Modi to showcase India's achievements and future ambitions in the aviation sector. As the conference progresses, the spotlight remains on India’s evolving role in shaping the future of air travel, bolstered by its ongoing investments and policy reforms.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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