Lok Sabha Question No. 2338 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Upgradation of Aviation Structure in Maharashtra
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, Shri Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2338

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## UPGRADATION OF AVIATION STRUCTURE IN MAHARASHTRA

2338.

SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV

SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of small airports in Maharashtra and their functional status
- thereof, district-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps for the expansion of airports and the upgradation of aviation infrastructure in Maharashtra;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon during the last
- three years;
- (d) whether the Government has any report/assessment on the action taken to support airports, post the COVID-19 pandemic and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the details of ongoing projects in Maharashtra and the stage of their completion along with the funds allocated and utilised for the said projects, particularly in Parbhani Parliamentary Constituency; and
- (f) whether the Government proposes to develop aviation infrastructure in various districts of Maharashtra including Washim Yavatmal Parliamentary Constituency and, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a):  There are 14 operational airports in Maharashtra at Aurangabad, Gondia, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nasik, Pune, Shirdi, Sindhudurg, Akola, Jalgaon, Juhu, Nanded and Solapur. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme- Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN) scheme, six (6) airports namely - Kolhapur, Jalgaon, Nanded, Nasik, Gondia and Sindhudurg have already been operationalised under the Scheme in the state of Maharashtra. (b)  to  (f):  The  upgradation  of  airports  is  a  continuous  process  and  is undertaken by the respective airport operators on the passenger demand forecast, operational requirements for safety of aircraft operation and demand from airlines. Development works are taken up in a phased manner depending upon the availability of land and viability, as well as other facilities with reference to intended aircraft operations. During the last three years, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken various projects for expansion  of  airports  and  the  upgradation  of  aviation  infrastructure, including extension/ re-carpeting of runways, construction/ re-configuration of  Terminal Buildings, extension of aprons and taxiways etc. at Akola, Aurangabad, Gondia, Juhu, Kolhapur, Pune and Solapur airports  in Maharashtra. As regards the ongoing projects, AAI has  undertaken  the re-carpeting of the runway and taxiways at Shirdi Airport at an estimated cost of Rs.61.58 crore, with Rs.6.78 crore utilized so far. At Nagpur Airport, the re-carpeting of runway 14/32 is being carried out at a cost of Rs.58.00 crore, out of which Rs.19.13  crore  has  been  utilized.  Similarly,  at  Pune  Airport,  the reconstruction of the old terminal building and allied works, have been taken up at a cost of Rs.46.56 crore, with Rs.25.86 crore utilized so far. These projects are at various stages of completion. Yavatmal airstrip, is available in the list of unserved airstrips in the UDAN document. However, no routes connecting Yavatmal have been awarded to any airline for the operation of RCS flights. To  support  the  airports  post-pandemic,  the  Government  introduced temporary financial flexibilities in the provisions of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) such as reduction in performance guarantee and return of additional performance guarantee, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, operational flexibilities were provided, including conversion of RCS seats to non-RCS seats, permission to operate between 3 and 7/14 flights per week, suspension of performance criteria, and extension of contract periods corresponding to the lockdown duration.

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