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Parliamentary Panel Flags Aviation Safety Lapses, Urges High-Level Committee

A parliamentary committee has identified systemic safety issues in India's civil aviation, citing numerous lapses and violation notices. It recommends forming an independent High-Level Committee on Aviation Safety to conduct a comprehensive review. The report also highlights operational challenges in the UDAN subsidy scheme and a critical 48% staff shortage at the DGCA. Furthermore, it calls for a formal Passenger Rights Charter and greater transparency for airport authority investments.

Key Points: Panel Urges High-Level Committee on Aviation Safety

  • Systemic safety lapses flagged
  • UDAN scheme lacks exit strategy
  • DGCA faces 48% staff shortage
  • No statutory passenger rights framework
  • AAI capital investment lacks parliamentary visibility
2 min read

Parliamentary panel recommends constitution of high-level Committee on Aviation safety

Parliamentary committee flags systemic safety issues, UDAN scheme challenges, and DGCA manpower shortages, recommending a new safety review committee.

"The Ahmedabad crash... and 19 safety violation notices indicate a systemic pattern - Parliamentary Standing Committee"

New Delhi, March 26

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on Thursday flagged systemic issues in India's civil aviation sector, highlighting nearly safety lapses, operational challenges in the UDAN scheme, and critical manpower shortages at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

"The Ahmedabad crash (260 fatalities), approximately 100 safety lapses in a single year, and 19 safety violation notices indicate a systemic pattern," the committee said while recommending the constitution of an independent High-Level Committee on Aviation Safety to conduct a comprehensive safety review and submit a report within six months.

Further, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN has operationalised 657 routes with cumulative expenditure exceeding Rs 9,200 crore, but the Ministry has acknowledged that there is no structured exit strategy for routes completing the VGF subsidy period. Over 150 awarded routes remain uncommenced.

The committee recommended a formal independent impact assessment covering cost per passenger, route-wise viability, and the proportion of routes that have achieved self-sustainability.

DGCA has 843 incumbents against 1,630 sanctioned posts, a vacancy rate of 48.3 per cent. The Committee recommended that DGCA prepare and submit a comprehensive time-bound recruitment and deputation schedule to address the vacancy position.

India carried over 350 million passengers annually, but has no statutory passenger rights framework. The Committee recommended the development of a formal Passenger Rights Charter under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, addressing compensation, delay management, and accountability standards.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) reported revenue of Rs 20,648.25 crore and profit of Rs 7,233.28 crore in FY 2024-25, but its capital investment of Rs 4,699.92 crore through I&EBR does not form part of the Demands for Grants.

The Committee recommended enhanced parliamentary visibility of AAI's capital investment programme.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
UDAN scheme sounds good on paper but seems poorly planned. Spending over 9200 crore and 150 routes not even started? Taxpayers' money needs better accountability. A formal impact assessment is a must. We need connectivity, but not at any cost.
D
David E
As a frequent flyer, the lack of a passenger rights charter is the most frustrating part. Delays are common, and there's no standard compensation. The new Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam must include strong consumer protection. 🤞
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Aman W
The committee's recommendations are spot on, but will they be implemented? We've seen so many reports gather dust. The six-month timeline for the safety review is good, but the real test is action. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
The AAI making over Rs 7000 crore profit but its capital investment not being part of the Demands for Grants is concerning. Where is that money going? Enhanced parliamentary visibility is crucial for transparency. Good recommendation.
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Vikram M
While the focus on safety is welcome, I respectfully think forming yet another committee might just add bureaucracy. Why can't the existing DGCA, once fully staffed, handle this? We need efficient solutions, not more layers of administration.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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