opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2703 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Declaration of National Highways
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Kripanath Mallah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2703

ANSWERED ON 16 TH  MARCH, 2023

## DECLARATION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

## 2703.   SHRI KRIPANATH MALLAH:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  two  roads  namely Badarpur Ghat, Anglabazar Dullabcherra Zamuang Mamit Road and Silchar  Hailakandi  Monacherra  R.K.  Nagar  Kanaibazar  road  were declared National Highway in 2017 but construction work thereon has yet not been started;
- (b)
- if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has prepared Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the purpose;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government has fixed any target for completion of the said projects; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  to  (f)  The  two  roads  namely  (i)  Badarpur  Ghat  -  Anglabazar Dullabcherra - Zamuang - Mamit Road and  (ii) Silchar - Hailakandi

Monacherra  -  R.K.  Nagar  -  Kanaibazar  road  were  approved  as  inprinciple National Highways (NHs) which were to be considered for declaration as NH based on the outcome of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).  Work  of  preparation  of  DPRs  for  these  roads  was  also undertaken. However, these roads have so far not been declared as NHs and as such these are presently state roads whose responsibility for development and maintenance lies with the State Governments of Assam / Mizoram.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2702 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Arrangement of Lights on Delhi Roads
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Janardan Singh Sigriwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2702 ANSWERED ON 16 th  MARCH, 2023

## ARRANGEMENT OF LIGHTS ON DELHI ROADS

2702.  SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of low light on roads due to dense  trees  causing  difficulties  in  driving  in  Delhi,  particularly  in Lutyens' zone and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (b) whether the Government has conducted any survey or identified the dark spots on roads in Delhi, particularly in Lutyens' zone and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to make arrangements to install additional lights at the lower part of existing electric pole and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  the  other  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  make arrangements of proper light on roads in Delhi, particularly the areas where there are dense trees?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is primarily responsible for  development  and  maintenance  of  National  Highways.  Roads  in Lutyens'  zone  in  Delhi  are  bei ng  developed  and  maintained  by   New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). In order to address the issue of low light on roads,  trimming/ pruning of tree branches is carried out by the NDMC. (b)     Regular  system  based  monitoring  is  carried  out  regarding  dark spots on roads in Delhi. (c)   NDMC is in the process of installing additional lights at the lower part of existing 8000 electric poles. (d)   Other measures for proper lighting on roads in Delhi being taken include various feedback mechanisms, inter-agency co-ordination and continuous monitoring.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Airport at Jogighopa
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Abdul Khaleque

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2701 (To be answered on the 16 th  March 2023)

## AIRPORT AT JOGIGHOPA

## 2701. SHRI ABDUL KHALEQUE

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up an airport at Jogighopa, Multi Model Logistic Parks (MMLPs), if so, the time by which the works will be started; and (b) the number of people likely to get direct and indirect employment after its completion?

## ANSWER

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia)

(a): Government of India (GoI) has formulated a Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008 which prescribes the procedure and conditions for development of a new Greenfield airport in the country. As per the Policy, a State Government or an Airport Developer, willing to establish an airport, is required to send a proposal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for 2-stages approval i.e. 'Site-Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval. Such proposals are considered by MoCA as per the procedure stipulated in the GFA Policy. As of now, no proposal has been received for construction of a Greenfield Airport at Jogighopa, either from State Government concerned or any other Airport Developer.

(b): Does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2700 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Market Linked Pricing for Petroleum
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Gopal Chinayya Shetty

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2700 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 MARCH, 2023

## Market Linked Pricing for Petroleum

†2700. SHRI GOPAL CHINNAYA SHETTY:

## पेोलयम और ाक ृतक गैस मंी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the petroleum products have been market determined at present;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  benefit  of  price  reduction  is  provided  to  the  consumers  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor;
- (c) the reasons for linking domestic petroleum prices with the related products in international market;and
- (d)  the  details  of  price  determination  process  along  with  the  manner  in  which  it  is  beneficial/ harmful for Indian consumers?

## ANSWER

## पेोलयम और ाक ृतक गैस मंालय म राय मंी ( ी रामेश ् वर तेल )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a) to (d): Prices  of  petrol  and  diesel  have  been  market-determined  with  effect  from 26.06.2010 and 19.10.2014 respectively. Since then, the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) take appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have not increased prices of petrol and diesel since 6 th April 2022.

While  crude  oil  price  (Indian  basket)  in  rupee  per  barrel  terms  has  increased  by  23%  from December 2021 to March 2023, increase in Retail Selling Price of Petrol and Diesel at Delhi is only 1.08% and 3.40% respectively.

India imports more than 60% of its domestic LPG consumption. The average Saudi CP prices on which the domestic LPG prices are based, increased from US$ 454/MT to US$ 693/MT during 2019-20  to  2021-22.    During  2022-23  the  Saudi  CP  has  further  risen  to  US$  790/MT  for February 2023. However, the Government continues to modulate the effective price of domestic LPG. Public  Sector  Oil  Marketing  Companies  have  suffered  huge  losses  on  sale  of  domestic LPG. To compensate these losses, the Government has recently paid a one-time compensation of Rs. 22000 crore to OMCs. Government has also started a targeted subsidy of Rs. 200 per 14.2 Kg cylinder for  Pradhan  Mantri  Ujjwala  Yojana  (PMUY)  beneficiaries  for  upto  12  refills  for year 2022-23.

Central Government has reduced Central Excise duty by a total of Rs. 13/ litre and Rs. 16/ litre on petrol and diesel respectively in two tranches in November 2021 and May 2022 and retail prices  fell  as  a  result.    The  measure  was  aimed  to  give  a  further  fillip  to  the  economy  and  to boost consumption  and  keep inflation low, thus helping the poor and middle classes. Subsequently, many States/UTs have also reduced VAT rates on petrol and diesel.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2699 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: New Airport in Madhya Pradesh
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Himadri Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2699

(To be answered on the 16 th  March 2023)

## NEW AIRPORT IN MADHYA PRADESH

## 2699. SHRIMATI HIMADRI SINGH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

## ANSWER

be pleased to state:-

(a)  whether the Government proposes to build any new airport in Madhya Pradesh; (b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  build  a  new  airport  in  Shahdol Parliamentary  Constituency;  and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia)

(a) to (d): Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 21.10.2016 to stimulate regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable to the masses. UDAN is a market driven scheme. Interested airlines based on their assessment of demand on particular routes, submit their proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN.

An airport which is included in the awarded routes of Regional Connectivity Scheme  (RCS)  -  UDAN  (Ude  Desh  ka  Aam  Nagrik)  and  requires upgradation/development for commencement of RCS operations, is developed under "Revival of unserved and underserved airports" scheme. Datia, Gwalior, Pachmarhi and Rewa airports have been identified in Madhya Pradesh for operation of UDAN flights.

Shahdol Airport, Madhya Pradesh is available in the tentative list of unserved airport of UDAN scheme document. So far, no airline has submitted any proposal to operate UDAN flights from Shahdol Airport, Madhya Pradesh. In case, any airline submits valid bid for operations of flights under UDAN from Shahdol Airstrip,  Madhya  Pradesh  in  future  rounds  of  bidding,  the  same  shall  be considered  as  per  the  provisions  of  the  Scheme  document.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2693 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Indian Drone Industry
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: S. Jagathrakshakan

2693.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2693

(To be answered on the 16 th  March 2023)

## INDIAN DRONE INDUSTRY

## SHRI S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether it is a fact that the drones manufactured in the country are in high
- demand all over the world;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to achieve this feat;
- (c)  whether the Government is aware that the country would become a hotspot for drone technology and would need at least one million drone pilots by the end of next year; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof including the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) to (d)The Central Government recognised drone technology's economic and strategic importance for the country and liberalised the drone policy by notifying the Drone Rules, 2021 in August 2021.  In accordance with the Drone Rules, 2021 and the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems issued by Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA has issued 14 type certificates as on date for drones manufacturing in India.

Central Government has launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drone and Drone Components with an objective to incentivize manufacturing of drones and drone components in India so as to make them self-sustaining  and  globally  competitive.  The  Scheme  envisages  a  total incentive of Rupees 120 crore and has been approved for three financial years from FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24.

Several startups have emerged in India working on designing, developing and manufacturing drones. According to industry feedback, several startups are working on establishing international partnerships for exporting their drones to friendly foreign countries. As per the industry feedback, it is estimated that over 1,00,000 drone pilots shall be required in the next 3 years. 48 drone training schools have already been approved by DGCA while several others are in the pipeline to ensure that adequate skilling infrastructure is in place to serve the emerging demand.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2692 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Solar Waste
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Sarmistha Sethi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2692

ANSWERED ON 16.03.2023

## SOLAR WASTE

## 2692. SHRIMATI SARMISTHA SETHI

Will the Minister of New and Renewable Energy be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which the Government proposes to tackle the solar waste that is generated;
- (b) whether the Government has a solar waste management policy in place to efficiently dispose of the electronic waste generated from discarded solar panels; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a)  to  (c)  The  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  has  notified  the  E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 on 2 nd  November, 2022. Management of solar PV modules /panels/ cells has been added in Chapter V of the said rules. As per these rules, every manufacturer and producer of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall:

- I. ensure registration on the portal;
- II. store solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells waste generated up to the year 20342035 as per the guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard;
- III. file annual returns in the laid down form on the portal on or before the end of the year to which the return relates up to year 2034-2035;
- IV. ensure that the processing of the waste other than solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall be done as per the applicable rules or guidelines for the time being in force;
- V. ensure that the inventory of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall be put in place distinctly on portal; and
- VI. comply  with  standard  operating  procedure  and  guidelines  laid  down  by  the  Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

Further, Recycler of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall be mandated for recovery of material as laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2691 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Extraction of Methane Hydrate
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Vinod Chavda

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2691 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 th March, 2023

## Extraction of Methane Hydrate

## 2691.  SHRI VINOD L. CHAVDA

## पेोलयम और ाक ृ तक गैस मंी

## Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is making efforts for commercial extraction of methane hydrate deposits in Krishna-Godavari basin and Mahanadi Andaman basin which are reported to have the potential to make India an energy independent nation;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## पेोलयम और ाक ृ तक गैस मंालय म राय मंी ( ी रामेवर तेल )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

- (a) & (b): Gas hydrate exploration in India is taken up under National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP).  Till  date,  two  expeditions  have  been  undertaken  under  NGHP  to  explore  the presence  of  gas  hydrates.  Under  the  first  programme,  NGHP-01  undertaken  in  2006,  39 holes were drilled at 21 sites in Krishna-Godavari (KG), Mahanadi, Andaman, and KeralaKonkan Basin and under the second programme, NGHP-02, in 2015, 42 holes were drilled at 25 sites in KG and Mahanadi Basin.
- (c):  Does not arise in view of above.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2688 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Digitization of MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2688 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2023

## DIGITIZATION OF MSMEs

2688.        SHRI  MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY: SHRI P.V. MIDHUN REDDY:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to provide temporary subsidies to MSMEs in respect of items whose import duties have been hiked;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to provide sensors, systems and other associated digital components  at  affordable  rates  to  aid  the  digitization  of  MSMEs  as  the  high  cost  of  digital transformation remains a huge barrier for MSMEs; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA)

- (a) & (b): No  Sir,  however,  the  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  is implementing International Co-operation (IC) Scheme to encourage the producers/manufacturers of  MSME  products  to  increase  exports  of  their  products.  Under  the  IC  Scheme,  the  financial assistance is provided on reimbursement basis to the eligible Central/State  Government organizations  and Industry Associations to facilitate visit/participation  of  MSMEs  in  the international  exhibitions/fairs/buyer-seller  meets  held  abroad  and  for  organizing  international conference/seminar/workshops in India with the aim of technology upgradation, modernization, joint venture etc. Further, under the new component of IC Scheme namely Capacity Building of First Time Exporters (CBFTE) launched in June 2022, reimbursement is provided to new Micro & Small Enterprises(MSEs) exporters for costs incurred on Registration cum-Membership Certification (RCMC) with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Export Insurance Premium and Testing & Quality Certification for exports.
- (c) & (d): To  aid  the  digitization  of  MSMEs,  Ministry  of  MSME  has  developed  online Registration  Portal  viz.  'Udyam  Registration'  under  which    the  MSMEs  can  registered  free  of cost. Further through various portals such as SAMBANDH, SAMADHAN & CHAMPIONS the Ministry is helping MSMEs for online disposal of their issues.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2686 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: NH Projects in Maharashtra
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Supriya Sadanand Sule

be pleased to state:

- (a) the details and the present status of the highways that are declared as National Highways (NHs) along with the NHs which are under construction at present in the State of Maharashtra;
- (b) the details of new NH projects sanctioned for the State of Maharashtra during the last three years and the current year;
- (c) whether the Government has received any proposal for construction of new NHs from the State Government of Maharashtra during the said period;
- (d) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon; and
- (e) whether adequate funds have not been released for development/construction of NHs in Maharashtra during the said period and if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2686

ANSWERED ON 16 TH   MARCH 2023

NH PROJECTS IN MAHARASHTRA

2686.  SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) There are hundred National Highways (NHs) passing through the state of Maharashtra on which 264 projects in a length of 8029 Km amounting to Rs. 95225 Cr. are at Implementation Stage.

(b) to (e) Development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) is a continuous process. NH Projects are taken up from time to time based on traffic levels, outcome of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and availability of funds. 289 NH projects in length of 5655 km. with sanctioned cost of Rs. 58705 Cr.  have been sanctioned in the State of Maharashtra during the last three years and current year. Adequate funds as per requirements have been released for development/construction of NHs in Maharashtra during the said period and there was no deficit in release of funds.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2685 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-16
Subject: Airfare Caps
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Adala Prabhakara Reddy, Kuruva Gorantla Madhav, Margani Bharat, Maddila  Gurumoorthy, Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2685

(To be answered on the 16 th  March 2023)

## AIRFARE CAPS

2685. SHRI ADALA PRABHAKARA REDDY SHRI KURUVA GORANTLA MADHAV SHRI MARGANI BHARAT SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government proposes to reinstate airfare caps considering that the average price of tickets from metro cities to Tier-2 cities has risen as high as fifty per cent compared to last year, making air travel very expensive for people;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has looked into the issue of shortage of the parts for aircraft that is further increasing the airfares;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e)  whether the Government has also looked into the negative impact of the increased airfare and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

(Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia)

(a) to (e): Airfares are neither established nor regulated by the Government. Under the provisions of Sub Rule (1) of Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, every air transport undertaking engaged in scheduled air services is required to establish tariff  having  regard  to  all  relevant  factors  including  cost  of  operation, characteristic of services, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff.

The airline pricing system runs in multiple levels (buckets) which are in line with practices being followed globally. The prices are fixed by airlines keeping in mind the market, demand, seasonality and other market forces. The airfare increases with increase in demand of seats as the lower fare buckets get sold out fast when bookings are offered by airlines Some of the airlines have introduced Apex-90, in addition to existing advance purchase schemes of 60 days, 30 days, 14 days etc. in which discounted fares are being offered which would entail travelling even during peak seasons on low fares. The fare structures stated above have been displayed by airlines on their websites. The airlines are compliant to the Sub Rule(1) of Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 as long as fares charged by them is in line with tariff displayed on their website. While global supply chains are impacted due to Covid and other geo-political events, there is no direct connection between the same and airfares. The issue of shortage of engines & spare parts of aircraft is mainly due to global supply chain disruptions & non-availability of spare parts/ components from OEM

(Original Equipment Manufacturer) & manufacturers.

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