Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced today that the government plans to construct 200-220 additional airports, heliports, and water aerodromes across the country within the next five years. Speaking at a press conference in the national capital, Scindia highlighted the accomplishments of the aviation sector during the nine-year tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Scindia emphasized the remarkable progress made by the Modi government, stating, "In just nine years, the current government has surpassed the achievements of the previous 68 years. The number of airports has increased from 74 to 148, and our goal is to reach 200-220 airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, within the next five years." He also noted that eight airports have been constructed in the northeastern part of the country. "Previously, certain states in the region lacked airports, but today, Arunachal Pradesh boasts three new airports, and Sikkim has also received an airport," Scindia stated.
Addressing the capacity of major metropolitan cities, the minister said, "Currently, we have six major metros - Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata - with a combined capacity of 220 million passengers. Our aim is to double the capacity of these six metros, including Jevar and Navi Mumbai, within the next eight years."
Scindia commended the government's efforts during challenging times, stating, "Whether it was managing the Covid-19 pandemic or carrying out 'Operation Ganga' to bring back Indian students stranded in Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Civil Aviation Ministry played a pivotal role in repatriating our citizens to India."