Lok Sabha Question No. 647 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-06
Subject: Construction of New Airports under UDAN Scheme
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 647

(To be answered on the 6 th  February 2025)

## CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AIRPORTS UNDER UDAN SCHEME

## 647. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the time by which the construction of new airport is likely to be completed under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme being implemented by the Government and the details of new aerial routes to be added under the
- said scheme;
- (b) the manner in which the use of drone technology is increasing in the country and the details of various new policies and rules implemented for the said purpose;
- (c) the details of new security systems implemented by the Government to enhance airline security, particularly internal security of aeroplanes and safety of passengers in the country; and
- (d) the various changes made in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for the development of the aviation sector in the country and its impact on
- domestic and international airlines?

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) UDAN is an ongoing scheme where bidding rounds are conducted from time to time to cover more destinations/stations and routes. Based on their assessment of demand on particular routes, interested airlines submit their proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN. An airport which is included in the awarded routes of UDAN and requires upgradation/development for commencement of UDAN operations, is developed under the 'Revival of unserved and underserved airports' scheme.
- (b) To promote the efficient use of drone technology, Central Govt. has notified:
1. The Drone Rules, 2021 on 25th August 2021. As per the Rules, each drone type has to be type certified as per the certification scheme for UAS issued on

26th January, 2022 unless exempted.

2. The Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2022, dated 11th Feb2022.
3. The Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2023, dated 27thSeptember, 2023.
4. The Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2024 dated 21st August, 2024.
5.  An  interactive  airspace  map has been made available on digital sky platform segregating low level airspace into red zone, yellow zone and green zone for drone operations with the cooperation of agencies/ ministries concerned.
6. No permission is required in green zones.
7. Permission of concerned ATC would be required for operating drones in yellow zone. Permission of MoCA and the concerned red zone owners would be required for operating drones in red zone.
8. Each drone irrespective of weight and use-case, has to be registered on the single window platform called digital sky platform.
9. The remote pilot (the person operating the drone) must have undergone training from any DGCA authorized remote pilot training organization, must have passed the test, and must have obtained the remote pilot certificate issued through the digital sky platform.
10. Presently, the operation of the Unmanned Aircraft System has been restricted  to  Visual  Light  of  Sight  (VLOS)  Conditions  only  and  the responsibility of safe operation is entrusted to the trained and certified remote pilots.
11. Insurance is mandatory for all drones unless exempted.
12. The UTM policy framework was published on24th October, 2021 for regulating low level airspace management.
13.  All  UAS/  Drones  type  certified  under  the  Certification  Scheme  for Unmanned Aircraft System (CSUAS) issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 261h January, 2022.
14. The continued compliance by the manufacturer (Type Certificate Holder) for the same is ensure through surveillance audit by DGCA.
15. Central government has notified the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme (PLI) vide S.O. 4044(E) dated 30th September, 2021 for drones and its components. The scheme is to incentivize manufacturing of drones and drone components in India so as to make them self-sustaining and globally competitive.

(c) Security measures for airline security, particularly internal security of airplanes are already in place. And, no new security measure has been implemented recently.

(d) India's FDI policy for the aviation sector has undergone significant changes to foster growth and development. One of the key reforms is allowing up to 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in domestic airlines, with foreign airlines permitted to invest up to 49%. This change has enabled domestic airlines to access greater capital, facilitating fleet expansion and service improvements.  Additionally,  foreign  investments  have  opened  up opportunities for partnerships with international airlines, benefiting both the domestic and international aviation sectors. Furthermore, the policy permits 100% FDI in airport infrastructure and ground handling services. This has attracted foreign players to invest in modernizing airports and improving ground services, enhancing overall passenger experience and efficiency. These policy adjustments have led to the growth of both domestic and international airlines while improving the country's aviation infrastructure.

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