opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 6403 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Construction of Interchange on Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6403 ANSWERED ON 02 ND  APRIL, 2026

## CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGE ON VARANASI-KOLKATA EXPRESSWAY

6403.  SHRI DULU MAHATO:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation  regarding construction of an interchange on the Varanasi-Kolkata expressway at Araju (Barwadih) in Bokaro and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that absence of an interchange at this location  will  deprive  nearly  three  lakh  population  of  Giridih,  Dhanbad  and Purulia from its benefits and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that the presently proposed interchange is located thirty kilometres away which is impractical for local farmers and emergency medical needs, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government will consider construction of an entry-exit point at  this  location  while  prioritising  economic  development  and  last  mile connectivity and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) The interchange has been proposed at Km. 357+200 (Lepo Village) on the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway at the crossing with NH-320, as per the Concession/Contract Agreement.  It will give connectivity on VaranasiKolkata Expressway to the commuters coming from Giridh, Dhanbad, Bokaro

Districts through NH-19, NH-18 and NH-320 which has already been developed as 4/6 lane Highway. Interchange  on  Expressway  has  been  planned  to  ensure  safe  and  efficient movement  of  traffic  between  Expressway  and  National  Highway/State Highway (NH/SH) crossing only and accordingly, the location of the proposed interchange  at  Km.  357+200  (Lepo  Village)  has  been  finalized  considering technical feasibility, traffic studies and safety norms. Further, a Vehicular Underpass (VUP) has been proposed at Araju (Barwadih) in  Bokaro for crossing of local farmers and emergency medical needs. The entry / exit through slip road at this location is under examination.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6402 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Annual Escalation of Toll Rates
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri E T Mohammed Basheer

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the automatic annual escalation of toll rates based on the 2008 base rates and the fixed three percent annual increase formula in light of the Committee's observations; and
- (b)  the  current  status  of  the  proposed  NITI  Aayog  study  to  re-evaluate toll base rates and the user fee determination framework?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  The  extant  National  Highways  Fee  (Determination  of  Rates  and Collection)  Rules,  2008  was  formulated  to  ensure  transparency,  with  a uniform  methodology for calculating  user  fees  across  the  country.  The annual  revision  is  linked  to  the  Wholesale  Price  Index  (WPI),  which reflects inflationary trends in the economy, and is implemented uniformly across  National  Highway  fee  plazas.  As  per  Rule  5  of  extant  National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, User Fee  rates  are  revised  annually  with  effect  from  1 st   April  every  year increasing  the  base  rate  of  2007-08  with  40%  increase  in  Wholesale Price Index (WPI) over the base year index indexing the inflation factor as well as fixed 3% yearly increase without compounding.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6402 ANSWERED ON 2 ND  APRIL, 2026

## ANNUAL ESCALATION OF TOLL RATES

## 6402. SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

(b)    NITI  Aayog  is  actively  engaged  to  study  the  user  fee  framework, including issues relating to base rates and the methodology for revision of user fees and the study is as yet incomplete.

*****

2
Lok Sabha Question No. 6395 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Promotion of Gas-based MSME Clusters
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Vamsi Krishna Gaddam

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6395 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026

## PROMOTION OF GAS-BASED MSME CLUSTERS

6395.  SHRI VAMSI KRISHNA GADDAM:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to promote the development of gas-based Micro, Small and  Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) clusters in Peddapalli Lok Sabha Constituency in Telangana, particularly in view of the availability of natural gas through the Mallavaram-Bhopal-BhilwaraVijaipur Gas Pipeline (MBBVPL) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any feasibility study or assessment has been conducted to identify potential sectors such as engineering fabrication, ceramics, food processing, agro-processing and allied industries for cluster-based development in the said Constituency and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  details  of  cluster  development  assistance,  infrastructure  support  and  scheme  based incentives  available  under  the  Government  programmes  to  facilitate  the  establishment  of  new MSME units and modernisation of existing enterprises in gas connected regions; and
- (d) the steps being taken to align MSME cluster development in Peddapalli with India's clean energy transition, manufacturing growth objectives and reduction of industrial pollution?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (d): The  Micro  and  Small  Enterprises-Cluster  Development  Programme  (MSE-CDP) scheme  of  the  Ministry  aims  to  establish  Common  Facility  Centers  (CFCs)  and  create/upgrade Infrastructure Facilities in new/existing Industrial Area/Estates/Flatted Factory Complex providing financial support to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)  in  the  existing  cluster.  It  is  a  demand  driven  Central  Sector  Scheme  wherein,  State Governments  send  proposals  as  per  common  needs  of  existing  cluster  in  their  States/UTs.   No proposal  for  promotion  of  Gas-based  MSME cluster has been  received to this  ministry  from  the State Government of Telangana.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6393 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Objectives of Wings India 2026
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 6393

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2nd April 2026 )

## OBJECTIVES OF WINGS INDIA 2026

## 6393.    DR. D RAVI KUMAR Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (a) the objectives of Wings India 2026;
- (b) whether the advanced air mobility projects have received any regulatory, funding or pilot project support under Wings India 2026 and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  intends  to  showcase  its  domestic  capabilities  in  Wings  India 2026, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a)  &  (b):  Wings  India  2026  showcased  India's  civil  aviation  capabilities,  promoted investment and partnerships and positioned India as a global aviation hub while supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The event served as a facilitation platform for emerging technologies  such  as  Advanced  Air  Mobility  (AAM),  drones  and  eVTOLs.  However, regulatory approvals, funding and pilot projects for such technologies are undertaken through

- existing Government frameworks.
- (c): Wings India 2026 showcased domestic aviation capabilities, including participation from airlines,  airport  operators,  MRO  providers,  manufacturers,  startups  and  skill  institutions. Indigenous platforms, MRO capabilities and digital solutions were highlighted, with focus on promoting  Make  in  India  and  Atmanirbhar  Bharat,  along  with  participation  from  State Governments.

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be pleased to state:-
Lok Sabha Question No. 6388 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Rural Drinking Water Supply Schemes in Uttarakhand
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Ajay Bhatt

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6388

ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026

## RURAL DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES IN UTTARAKHAND

## †6388 . SHRI AJAY BHATT :

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Union  Government  has  received  any  representation  from  the  State  Government  of Uttarakhand for providing financial assistance for the implementation of rural drinking water supply schemes and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Union Government has reduced the Central share in drinking water schemes; and (c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

(a) to (c) Hon'ble CM of Uttarakhand has sent two similar requests to this department for the release of balance amount of fund allocated for JJM during FY 2024-25. The Union Cabinet had approved the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for the period 2019-20 to 2023-24 with central outlay of Rs. 2,08,652 crore and almost entire available fund had been utilized till financial year 2024-25.

The funds under JJM were allocated during the Mission period as per approved criteria mentioned in the operational guidelines of JJM as per ratio described below:

- 90:10 for Himalayan & North-Eastern States, UTs with Legislature (including Uttarakhand),
- 100% for UTs without legislature, and
- 50:50 for other States.

No proposal for reduction in the ratio of the Central share is under consideration of the department.

On 10 th March,  2026,  the  Union  Cabinet  has  approved  the  JJM  2.0  to  restructure  and  reorient  the implementation of JJM from infrastructure creation to a service delivery, supported by drinking water governance and institutional ecosystem for sustainable rural piped water supply. For restructuring JJM focussing on structural reforms, Cabinet has approved enhancement of total outlay to Rs. 8.69 lakh crore with total central assistance of Rs. 3.59 lakh crore enhancing from Rs. 2.08 lakh crore approved in 201920 i.e. additional central share of Rs. 1.51 lakh crore.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6384 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Expansion of Air Connectivity in Chhattisgarh
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Smt. Jyotsna Charandas Mahant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 6384

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2nd April 2026 )

## EXPANSION OF AIR CONNECTIVITY IN CHHATTISGARH

## 6384.    SMT JYOTSNA CHARANDAS MAHANT Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the allocation of Rupees Eighty Crore investment in the Chhattisgarh Budget 2026 for the development of Jagdalpur, Bilaspur and Ambikapur airports and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the current status of commercial flight operationalization for Ambikapur airport under the UDAN scheme along with the reasons for technical delays, if any;
- (c) the number of new regional routes connecting Raipur and Bilaspur to major metro cities of the country proposed for the 2026-27 bidding rounds; and
- (d) whether there is any plan to upgrade the terminal capacity and night-landing facilities at Jagdalpur airport to support increased tourist inflow and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) : The Government of Chhattisgarh, in its Budget 2026-27, has made a provision of Rs. 80 crore for the infrastructure development of airports at Jagdalpur, Bilaspur and Ambikapur.
- (b) : Ambikapur Airport, Chhattisgarh, owned by the State Government of Chhattisgarh, was identified under UDAN for development and operation of RCS flights. The airport has been developed at a cost of Rs.80.32 crore and was licensed for 3C VFR operations on 15.03.2024. FlyBig  commenced  RCS  flights  on  the  Ambikapur-Bilaspur-Ambikapur  and  Ambikapur  Raipur- Ambikapur routes using 19-seater aircraft, awarded under UDAN, with operations commencing on 19.12.2024.

The airline discontinued the operations due to aircraft issues from 15.06.2025.

On 22.09.2025, Flybig assigned and novated its contractual rights and obligations wef 10.10 25  under  the  Regional  Connectivity  Scheme  (RCS)  to  the  new  entrant  airline  Skyhop Aviation  Private  Limited.    Skyhop  Aviation  Private  Limited  is  in  the  process  of  fulfilling regulatory and operational requirements.

- (c)  :  None  of  the  airline  bidders  have  submitted  proposals  to  operate  RCS  flights  from Bilaspur and Raipur airstrip till the completion of five rounds of bidding under the UDAN scheme.
- (d)  :  Jagdalpur  airport  has  been  developed  with  a  CAPEX  of  Rs.  60.16  Crores  under  the UDAN cheme. Night Landing at Jagdalpur Airport is not feasible due to space constraints.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6382 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Civil Aircraft Operations at Dabolim Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Captain Viriato Fernandes

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 6382

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2nd April 2026 )

## CIVIL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS AT DABOLIM AIRPORT

## 6382.    SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether any proposal is under consideration to stop civil/commercial flight operations at Dabolim airport and if so, the details and the background of taking this decision;
- (b) whether the State Government of Goa has been consulted with such decision and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to reduce Dabolim airport to domestic airport for civil aircraft operations and if so, whether the State Government is aware of this decision or given its consent and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether any decision was taken by the Government previously to keep Dabolim airport operational for both military as well as civil aircraft and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the total number of defence airports in the country functional for both military and civil aircraft operations?

## ANSWER

Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a)  to  (d)  Dabolim  Airport,  an  International  Airport  belongs  to  the  Indian  Navy  and  the Airports Authority of India maintains the civil enclave. Both military and civil operations are undertaken at the airport.

At present no proposal is under consideration in this Ministry to stop civil/commercial flight operations at Dabolim Airport or changing  the status to a Domestic Airport.

- (e): At present, there are 33 civil enclaves in the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6378 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Carbon Footprint of Leather Industry
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.6378 ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026

## CARBON FOOTPRINT OF LEATHER INDUSTRY

6378. DR. C M RAMESH:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  preparedness  of  the  leather industry to participate in the Carbon Credit Trading System (CCTS) notified under the energy conservation framework;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the estimated carbon emission profile of the leather and tanning sector;

(c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  include  leather  processing  units under  mandatory  or  voluntary  carbon  market  mechanisms,  if  so,  the  details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken to optimise the Carbon Credit Trading System to ensure ease of compliance and enhanced participation by MSMEs in the leather sector?

A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) to (d) : The leather sector is currently not covered under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). Furthermore, there is no proposal, at present, to bring the leather sector within the ambit of the CCTS.

Leather processing units including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the leather sector may voluntarily participate under the Offset Mechanism of the CCTS, by adopting the methodologies prescribed by the Bureau of  Energy  Efficiency  (BEE).  Leather  industry  can  also  propose  additional methodologies.

The  list  of  offset  methodologies  prescribed  by  the  BEE  is  enclosed  at Annexure.

*****************

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6378 ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA ON 02.04.2026

*************

- List of methodologies in the offset mechanism under CCTS 1. BM  EN01.001  -  Grid-connected  electricity  generation  from  renewable sources 2. BM EN01.002 - Hydrogen production from electrolysis of water 3. BM IN02.001 Energy efficiency and fuel switching measures for industrial facilities 4. BM IN02.002 Hydrogen production using methane extracted from biogas 5. BM WA03.001 Landfill methane recovery 6. BM WA03.002 Flaring or use of landfill gas 7. BM AG04.001 Methane recovery from livestock and manure management at households and small farms 8. BM  FR05.001  Afforestation  and  reforestation  of  degraded  mangrove habitats
9. BM FR05.002 Afforestation and reforestation of lands except wetlands
- ******************
Lok Sabha Question No. 6377 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Metro Rail Services in Varanasi
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Virendra Singh

- (b)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6377

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## TO BE ANSWERED ON APRIL 02, 2026

## METRO RAIL SERVICES IN VARANASI

## NO. 6377.  SHRI VIRENDRA SINGH:

Will  the  Minister  of  HOUSING  AND  URBAN  AFFAIRS  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce Metro Rail Services
- in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh; and
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a)  &  (b):  Urban  transport  is  part  of  Urban  Development  which  is  state subject. Concerned State Government is responsible for planning, initiating  &  developing  of  urban  transport  project  which  includes  metro rail  projects.  The  Central  Government  provides  financial  assistance  to metro rail projects in accordance with provision of the Metro Rail Policy, 2017 as and when posed by the concerned State Government depending upon feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources.  Presently no proposal for Metro Rail Services in Varanasi has been received from the Government of Uttar Pradesh in terms of the Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6376 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Expansion of Irrigation Facilities under PMKSY
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6376

## ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 EXPANSION OF IRRIGATION FACILITIES UNDER PMKSY

†6376. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

whether the Government proposes to launch any new project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana  (PMKSY)  for  the  expansion  of  irrigation  facilities  in  the  Ujjain-Alot  region,  if  so  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)

Water being a State subject, it is for the concerned State Government to plan, implement, operate and  manage  irrigation  projects,  and  to  prepare  action  plans  for  expanding  irrigation  in  the  State.  The Government of India provides technical support and partial financial assistance to projects included under ongoing schemes.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched during the year 2015-16, with an aim to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc. Accelerated  Irrigation  Benefits  Programme  (AIBP)  and  Har  Khet  Ko  Paani  (HKKP)  are  two  major components of PMKSY, being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Projects  meeting  prescribed  scheme  guidelines  and  having  necessary  statutory  clearances,  upon request  of  the  concerned  State  Government,  are  considered  for  inclusion  under  AIBP  and  HKKP components of PMKSY, after due appraisal and approval, subject to availability of adequate fiscal space. At present, no project from the Ujjain-Alot region is under such consideration.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6370 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-02
Subject: Flight Cancellations
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 6370

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2nd April 2026 )

## FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

6370.    SHRI MATHESWARAN V S Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  airlines  are  required  to  inform  the  Directorate  General  of  Civil  Aviation (DGCA) about the reasons for cancellation of flights under the existing rules and regulations and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  incorporate  any  new  rule  mandating  airline operators to inform the reasons for cancellation of flights and if so, the details thereof; and (c) the number of instances wherein Alliance Air flight 9I-513 from Bengaluru to Salem has been cancelled for commercial reasons from January 2024 till date?

## ANSWER

## Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (c) : As per the prevailing regulations, airlines are required to submit monthly traffic data  to  the  Directorate  General  of  Civil  Aviation  (DGCA),  which  include  the  number  of flights cancelled during the month along with the reasons for such cancellations, categorized as technical, commercial, operational, weather-related. However, airlines are not mandated to provide flight-specific cancellation details to the DGCA.

No such proposal is under consideration to mandate airlines to submit flight-wise reasons for cancellations to the DGCA.

02 flights were cancelled by M/s Alliance Air due to commercial reasons on the Bengaluru Salem sector since January 2024.

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