Ranchi

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday said India must remain vigilant amid the escalating crisis in West Asia, though the current situation does not pose any immediate concern for the country.

Speaking to reporters during his first visit to Ranchi as civil aviation minister, Naidu said all sectors, including aviation, must proactively prepare to deal with any possible impact arising from the geopolitical tensions.

“The situation is not alarming for India right now, but we need to stay prepared. Every sector, including civil aviation, must evaluate the possible consequences and develop short-term, medium-term and long-term plans,” he said.

Addressing concerns over a possible rise in airfare due to global instability, the minister said the Centre had already taken several steps to protect passengers and support the aviation industry.

He noted that aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, along with airport landing and parking charges, had been reduced to help maintain fare stability. Recently, the Delhi Government cut VAT on ATF from 25 per cent to 7 per cent.

Naidu said around five lakh passengers travel daily on domestic routes and the government is keeping a close watch on airfare trends. “If demand increases, we will expand connectivity and deploy additional aircraft,” he added.

The minister also unveiled several passenger-focused initiatives at Ranchi airport. He announced that the modified version of the UDAN scheme, with an outlay of nearly Rs 29,000 crore, would be launched soon.

Under the revamped scheme, the government plans to develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads over the next decade. He also said Udan Yatri Cafes would be introduced at airports to provide affordable food options to travellers.

Reiterating the government’s focus on accessible air travel, Naidu said the Centre is committed to improving passenger comfort and expanding connectivity across the country.

On the investigation into last year’s Ahmedabad aircraft crash, the minister said the probe was nearing completion and was being carried out in a transparent and accountable manner. He added that the inquiry had an international dimension because passengers from several countries were on board, and the final report would be released soon.

Naidu further announced that Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport would receive priority for international flight connectivity alongside enhanced domestic services.

He said annual passenger traffic at the airport had increased from 17 lakh to 27 lakh within five years. The minister also announced plans to provide air connectivity to districts including Dumka, Hazaribag, Chaibasa and Daltonganj in the near future.

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Naidu received a grand welcome upon his arrival in Ranchi and rode pillion on a motorcycle with Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth from the airport.