opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4506 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Flights from Pathankot Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4506

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  19th March 2026 )

## FLIGHTS FROM PATHANKOT AIRPORT

4506.    SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  it  is  true  that  no  flight  is  currently  operating  from  Pathankot Airport;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  bring  Pathankot  Airport  under the UDAN scheme and commence flight operations therefrom; and
- (c) 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) to (c): Pathankot airport was operationalised under the UDAN Scheme with Alliance  Air  operating  the  Delhi-Pathankot  route  for  the  stipulated  three-year Viability Gap Funding (VGF) tenure.

Subsequently, the route was offered again for bidding in the UDAN 5.4 round to ensure continued regional air connectivity based on demand and operational feasibility.  However,  a  firm  proposal  for  operating  the  route,  is  yet  to  be received from Jettwings Airways, the bidding airline.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4501 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Financial Viability of Regional Air Connectivity
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4501

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  19th March 2026 )

## FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF REGIONAL AIR CONNECTIVITY

4501.    DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  reviewed  the long-term  financial viability  of regional air routes after the withdrawal of viability gap funding and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the number of regional routes discontinued during the last five years due to low passenger load factors or airline losses, State-wise;
- (c)  whether  route  planning  under  regional  connectivity  schemes  adequately factors in local economic activity, industrial growth and educational hubs and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps taken to prevent regional airports from becoming under-utilised or financially unviable assets; and
- (e)  whether  any  economic  feasibility  or  passenger  demand  study  has  been conducted for providing air connectivity to Davanagere and if so, the findings thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) : Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN (RCS-UDAN) is a demanddriven  scheme  in  which  airline  bidders  undertake  route  planning  based  on regional  demand  factors  such  as  tourism  potential,  trade  activity,  industrial clusters,  educational  centres  and  existing  connectivity  gaps.  More  than  160 operationalised routes have become commercial and are operating without VGF support under the Scheme.

At  present,  325  routes  awarded  under  the  RCS-UDAN  have  discontinued  of which 167 routes connect airports that have transitioned from unserved/underserved to served airports following earlier UDAN interventions and subsequent development of infrastructure and market presence.

To  revive  the  remaining  routes,  the  Implementing  Agency  is  proactively monitoring discontinued routes and conducting targeted bidding rounds, which have already resulted in the re-operationalisation of several routes.

(e)  :  Government  of  India  (GoI)  has  formulated  a  Greenfield  Airports  (GFA) Policy, 2008 for development of new Greenfield airports in the country. As per the policy, if any airport developer including the State Government desires to develop  an  airport,  they  are  required  to  identify  a  suitable  site  and  get  the Prefeasibility Study conducted and submit a proposal to the Central Government for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4498 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Status of Siliguri-Jhapa Petroleum Pipeline Project
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Jagannath Sarkar

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4498 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  March 2026

## STATUS OF SILIGURI-JHAPA PETROLEUM PIPELINE PROJECT

## 4498. SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

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

- (a)  the  present  status  of  the  Siliguri-Jhapa  petroleum  pipeline  project,  including  confirmation  that approximately seven per cent of the physical work has been completed so far;

(b) the details of the key milestones achieved to date and the remaining stages of execution, particularly in the Siliguri region;

- (c) the total estimated investment of the project, the implementation model adopted and the details of funds allocated, released and utilised till date;
- (d)  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  facilitate  faster  execution  of  the  project,  including coordination with the Government of Nepal, resolution of land and right-of-way issues and inter-agency support; and

(e) the expected timeline for completion and commissioning of the project and the anticipated benefits for fuel logistics, regional connectivity and India-Nepal energy cooperation?

## ANSWER

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔यमंᮢी ( ᮰ी सुरेश गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (e) Pre-construction work for the Siliguri-Jhapa Petroleum Pipeline (SJPL) project is currently in progress. As of February 2026, about 9% of the physical work has been completed. Important activities such  as  the  Detailed  Engineering  Route  Survey  (DERS)  and  cadastral  survey  have  already  been finished. In addition, procurement process for long-lead items has started.

The total  estimated investment for SJPL is ₹267 Crores (+/- 10%). The cost  of construction is to be completely borne by IOCL. As of February'2026, IOCL has allocated ₹267 crore, of which ₹2.68 crore has been committed and ₹1.77 crore expended.

Apart from discussions at during the India-Nepal Joint Working Group (JWG), regular meetings of a dedicated Steering Committee for the project comprising members from IOCL and NOC are held.

Upon  completion  of  this  pipeline,  it  will  mitigate  any  disruptions  in  supplies  due  to  unforeseen situations which have potential to generate fuel crisis in Nepal. It will also cater to Central and eastern parts of Nepal thereby reducing transportation costs, congestion at the borders, road safety concerns etc. India  is  the  major  supplier  of  fuel  to  Nepal  and  this  project  will  further  consolidate  the  energy cooperation with Nepal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4496 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: National Highway Projects
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Shahu Shahaji Chhatrapati

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4496

ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2026

## NATIONAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS

4496.   SHRI SHAHU SHAHAJI CHHATRAPATI:

## Will the MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  the status of National Highway projects passing through Kolhapur district; and
- (b) whether land acquisition issues are delaying the works, if so, the details thereof and the expected completion dates?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)     Total 10 projects have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 10,665 crores for development of National Highways (NHs) in Kolhapur District during last three years including current year. Out of this, one project has been completed, four projects are under implementation, one  project  has  been  awarded  and  remaining  4  projects  have  been sanctioned but not awarded.
- (b)     There have been delays in completion of some NH projects due to  existing  Right  Of  Way  (ROW)  disputes,  delays  in  land  acquisition, forest as well as wildlife clearances, delays in utility shifting and other pre-construction activities  as  well  as  cash  flow  issues  with  some  of the  Contractors.  All  the  pending  issues  have  been  substantially resolved and these delayed projects are targeted for completion as per the revised timelines in a phased manner.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Flight Disruptions due to Fog
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4482

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  19th March 2026 )

## FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS DUE TO FOG

4482.     THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that several flights originated from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi were cancelled/delayed  due  to  severe  fog  condition  during  the  winter  season  i.e. December, 2025 and January 2026 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  in  case  of  such  flight  cancellations,  all  the  passengers  were refunded their tickets money without any deductions by the concerned airlines and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has received any complaints from the passengers regarding non- payment/partial payment of their cancelled flight tickets; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d): Ministry held various meetings with all stakeholders and has issued directions  in  the  form  of  SOP  to  all  scheduled  airlines  to  handle  situations arising out of adverse weather conditions.

A  total  of  589  flights  were  cancelled  and  538  flights  were  delayed  at  Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi during the period from 10th December 2025 to 10th February 2026 due to fog conditions.

Generally  flights  are  operated  by  the  airlines  as  per  approved  schedule. However, at times due to various extraordinary reasons such weather, natural disaster, riot, labour disputes etc. which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable  measures  had  been  taken  by  the  airline,  the  flight  gets  delayed  or cancelled.

Further,  In  case  of  any  delays  and  cancellation,  airlines  have  to  facilitate  the affected passengers in accordance with DGCA issued CAR Section 3, Series M, Part IV titled 'Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights' to reduce inconvenience.

Ministry has established a permanent, 24x7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)  to  enhance  passenger-centric  governance.  This  initiative  integrates MoCA, DGCA, AAI, and airlines for real-time monitoring of flight disruptions, baggage  issues,  and  refunds,  aiming  to  accelerate  grievance  redressal  and improve  the overall travel experience.  Many  passengers  have expressed satisfaction that their grievances are acknowledged and resolved promptly, and have conveyed their appreciation.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4476 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4476

ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2026

## CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE

## 4476. SHRI BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  activities  and  facilities  under  the  administrative control of the Ministry that are presently covered under Corporate Social  Responsibility  (CSR)  initiatives  along  National  Highways (NHs)  including  those  implemented  through  National  Highways Authority of India (NHAI);
- (b) whether the Government proposes to include road safety related facilities such as ambulance and emergency services, trauma care centres, public amenities including toilet complexes, rest areas and construction of  hospitals  along  the  Amravati-Yavatmal-Solapur corridors  in  the  State  of  Maharashtra,  under  the  purview  of  CSR activities; and
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof,  including  the  policy  framework, guidelines issued or proposed, the role of public sector undertakings  and  private  concessionaires  and  the  timeframe  by which these CSR-supported facilities are likely to be operationalized?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) The legal framework for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been provided under section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013  ('Act'),  schedule  vii  of  the  Act  and  Companies  (CSR  policy) rules,  2014.  Schedule  vii  of  the  act  indicates  the  eligible  list  of

activities  that  can  be  undertaken  by  the  companies  under  CSR. National Highways Authority of India is a statutory body established by  an  Act  of  Parliament  and  CSR  framework  is  not  applicable  to NHAI  as  it is legally required only in  respect  of  companies established under the Companies Act. CSR is a board driven process and the board of the company plans, decides, executes and monitors the CSR activities of the company based on the recommendation of its CSR committee. The government  does  not  issue  any  directions  to  the  companies  for deciding their CSR policy or beneficiary.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4473 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Expansion of Airport Infrastructure
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4473

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  19th March 2026 )

## EXPANSION OF AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

4473.    SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  time-bound  roadmap  for achieving  the  target  of  350-400  operational  airports  by  2047  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b)  the  current  status  of  land  acquisition,  Special  Purpose  Vehicle  (SPV) formation and investment mobilisation in this regard;
- (c) whether it is a fact that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is presently facing a severe manpower shortage with the vacancies of nearly fifty per cent of sanctioned safety and technical posts and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to expedite the recruitment process and modernise  surveillance  systems  across  the  DGCA,  Bureau  of  Civil  Aviation Security (BCAS) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) to ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards; and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  institute  real-time  risk  assessment mechanisms during the ongoing airport expansion phase to prevent operational and passenger safety lapses and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): In pursuance to the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047, airport development and  expansion  are  being  undertaken  through  greenfield  airports  under  the Greenfield  Airports  Policy,  revival  of  unserved/underserved  airports  under RCS-UDAN, upgradation of existing airports by AAI, and promotion of private investment  through  PPP.  25  Greenfield  airports  have  received  in-principle approval, 13 are operational, and 6 have site clearance. Under RCS-UDAN, 663 routes  connecting  95  aerodromes  have  been  operationalised.  The  modified UDAN aims to connect 120 new destinations and serve 4 crore passengers in 10 years.

(b): Airport development, including land acquisition and investment mobilisation, is undertaken by the respective airport developers, including State Governments and private entities.

(c)  &  (d):  In  DGCA,  538  posts  are  vacant  out  of  1063  sanctioned  posts, including 426  technical posts created during restructuring (2022  to 24). Recruitment is underway and offers have been issued to 106 candidates. AAI has expedited  recruitment  and  redeployed  staff  at operationally sensitive airports. BCAS fills posts through deputation with periodic vacancy circulars.

(e): Aerodrome  operators conduct Safety Assessments under the Safety Management  System  (SMS)  during  airport  infrastructure  projects.  DGCA reviews these assessments and conducts inspections to ensure safety of aircraft operations during expansion works.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4471 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Upgradation and Modernisation of Runways
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Arvind Dharmapuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4471

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  19th March 2026 )

## UPGRADATION AND MODERNISATION OF RUNWAYS

4471.    SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government conducts periodic assessment of the quality, safety and  load-  bearing  capacity  of  airport  runways  in  the  country  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b) the number of runways that have been upgraded, resurfaced or strengthened during the last five years, airport-wise;
- (c)  whether  any  new  technologies,  materials  or  systems  such  as  advanced pavement design, sensor-based monitoring or improved landing support systems are being adopted to enhance runway safety and durability and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  the  details  of  runway  upgradation  or  modernisation  projects  currently underway or proposed along with the expected timelines for their completion?

## ANSWER

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

- (a):  Licensed  aerodromes  are  required  to  comply  with  the  provisions  of Directorate  General  of  Civil  Aviation  (DGCA)  Civil  Aviation  Requirements (CAR) and Aerodrome Advisory Circulars, which mandate regular inspection and maintenance of runway infrastructure.

Periodic audits and inspections of aerodromes are conducted to verify compliance  with  prescribed  standards  and  ensure  that  runway  infrastructure continues to meet the required safety and operational performance criteria.

- (b):  During  the  last  five  years,  a  total  of  43  runways  at  various  airports  of Airports Authority of India (AAI) across India have been upgraded, resurfaced and strengthened.

(c):  Airports  Authority  of  India  (AAI)  carries  out  runway  pavement  design based on FAA Rigid and Flexible Iterative Elastic Layer Design (FAARFIELD) developed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

AAI has also conducted Airfield Pavement Management System (APMS) study at 10 airports to assess repair and maintenance methodology required at Indian airports.

(d):  Runway upgradation/modernisation projects are currently underway at 13 airports of AAI.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4470 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Long-pending Litigation Cases Involving Oil PSUs
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi, Shri Karti P Chidambaram, Dr. Kirsan Namdeo, Shri Harish Chandra Meena, Shri Benny Behanan, Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4470 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH 2026

## LONG-PENDING LITIGATION CASES INVOLVING OIL PSUs

4470. Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka:

Dr. Kirsan Namdeo:

Shri Benny Behanan:

Shri Harish Chandra Meena:

Shri Karti P Chidambaram:

Shri Charanjit Singh Channi:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that a large number of litigation cases involving oil PSUs are pending for more than ten years at various legal forums and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  financial  implications  arising  from  such prolonged litigation cases and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes to implement any  monitoring  mechanisms,  including online systems to reduce such litigations; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛमंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी

## )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to  (d): As  per  information  collated  from  all  Oil  and  Gas  Public  Sector  Undertakings (PSUs), at present around 4,558 are  pending for more  than 10 years and the total  financial implication / contingent liability involved in these cases is approximately ₹ 6386 Crore.

All  major  Oil  and  Gas  CPSEs  have  developed  an  online  litigation  monitoring  system (OLMS), functioning as a centralized, automated, and AI-powered platform for efficient case tracking, legal process management, compliance monitoring and to provide daily case updates of  the  matters  along  with  order  sheets,  enabling  efficient  handling  in  litigation  tracking  & discovery adopting digital transformation.

To  expedite  case  resolutions,  proactive  measures  such  as  filing  early  hearing  applications, requesting mentions for early disposal, and maintaining regular follow-ups and conferences with legal counsels are being implemented. These efforts aim to ensure consistent listing of cases  and  facilitate  prompt  resolution  of  legal  matters.  Periodic  review  of  cases  with  the advocates is undertaken to assess all matters which can be settled mutually. These settlements save time by avoiding prolonged legal processes and contribute to substantial cost savings by minimizing legal fees and court expenses.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4464 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Implementation of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technology
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. - 4464 ANSWERED ON 19 th  MARCH, 2026

## IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE (AV) TECHNOLOGY

4464. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  any  assessment  on  the feasibility  of  upgrading  Indian  roads  to  enable  Autonomous  Vehicle (AV) technology, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to upgrade road infrastructure, digital mapping and traffic management systems to support deployment of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), if so, the timeline and the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is planning to upgrade the infrastructure of National Highway (NH)-66 in the State of Kerala which is currently under  construction  to  make  it  capable  of  supporting  Autonomous Vehicle (AV) movement, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has proposed any collaboration with State Governments  for  developing  AV-ready  smart  cities or Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (d)  No such proposal in respect of  Autonomous  Vehicle technology is under consideration. The Government provides financial assistance under the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Scheme to support adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based solutions in public transport, including  fleet  management  systems  for  tracking,  scheduling  and operations.

- *****