Government Prioritises Regional Air Connectivity and New Airports, with Srikakulam in Focus
The Indian government is continuing to prioritise regional air connectivity as part of its broader vision for the growth of the country’s aviation sector. Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, speaking at a conference in New Delhi on January 7, 2025, confirmed that enhancing connectivity through the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme remains a key focus for the administration. The scheme aims to make air travel more accessible, affordable, and widespread by linking underserved and unserved airports.
Vualnam pointed out the substantial growth in air passenger traffic, which has seen a dramatic rise over the past decade. In 2014, the number of air passengers was around 11 crore, and by 2024, this number has doubled to 22 crore. Looking ahead, passenger traffic is projected to reach an impressive 40 crore by 2029. This growth, he explained, reflects the increasing aspirations of the Indian population for air travel, underscoring the need for better regional connectivity. Under the UDAN initiative, launched in 2016, the government has made considerable strides in improving air access across the country. As of November 2024, the scheme has operationalised 613 routes, connecting 87 airports, including 13 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. This has enabled over 146 lakh domestic passengers to travel via 2.86 lakh RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) flights, providing a vital lifeline to remote areas. Beyond traditional flight operations, Vualnam highlighted that the government is also working on developing the necessary infrastructure for the operation of seaplanes and helicopters, further enhancing connectivity, particularly in coastal regions and areas with limited access to regular airports. He assured that regional connectivity would remain a priority, with ongoing efforts to expand and diversify India’s aviation sector.
Meanwhile, the government is also focused on expanding the physical infrastructure for air travel. A notable development in this regard is the ongoing plans for a new airport in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. The state government is committed to building several new airports, and Srikakulam is a key part of that vision. However, the process has faced challenges, particularly surrounding land acquisition. The authorities had initially examined land parcels in the Vajrapukotturu and Mandasa mandals, but strong resistance from local farmers, who are concerned about the loss of their livelihood due to land acquisition, forced them to reconsider. After protests, the authorities began exploring other potential sites in Sompeta, including Baruva, Baruva Kotturu, and Palasapuram. These areas are currently under review, with a report expected soon. The government has already identified around 1,400 acres of land for the airport project, although around 1,100 acres must be acquired from farmers. The tensions between the local farmers and the authorities highlight the delicate balance needed between development and protecting livelihoods. Despite these hurdles, the government is moving forward with its plan to develop new airports, recognising their importance for regional economic growth and improved air connectivity.
Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the state’s aviation infrastructure. With increasing demand for air travel, the need for new airports, particularly in areas like Srikakulam, is more pressing than ever. The focus on regional connectivity, alongside the challenges faced in land acquisition for new airports, exemplifies the government’s commitment to improving air infrastructure across the country. While projects like the Srikakulam airport are met with local resistance, they are part of the broader vision of making air travel more accessible for all Indians, regardless of their location.
