In a move aimed at transforming India’s aviation infrastructure, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced on Friday that the country plans to increase the number of airports to 350 by 2047 as part of its vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). The minister made this statement during an event commemorating World Tourism Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Focus on Domestic Connectivity
Naidu emphasized the government’s focus on improving domestic connectivity, particularly to remote and unexplored locations. He also highlighted the importance of airports as the “gateways to a country,” underscoring the need for warm hospitality and enhanced facilities to attract more foreign tourists.
Significant Growth in Air Traffic
“Today, we have 157 airports, but by 2047, when we envision a fully developed India, we aim to increase this number to 350,” Naidu said at the event hosted by the Ministry of Tourism. He lauded the progress made over the past decade, noting that air traffic has significantly increased, with almost seven crore people traveling to India today, compared to 4.6 crore in 2014.
Naidu also praised the government’s UDAAN scheme, which has connected previously “unserved” and “underserved” airports, bringing air travel closer to the common man. He highlighted the ministry’s plans to improve seaplane and helicopter connectivity, further boosting access to remote areas.