Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today participated in the Civil Aviation Conference-2025 held in Dehradun, welcoming Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and civil aviation ministers from various North Indian states.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the conference symbolizes the remarkable progress India’s civil aviation sector has achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the success of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which has significantly improved air connectivity in small towns and remote areas, making air travel affordable for the common citizen and boosting local economies.
The Chief Minister informed that Uttarakhand is actively developing 18 heliports, out of which services at 12 have already commenced. In a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, he said, helicopter services have evolved into a lifeline, not just a means of transport. They have been critical in disaster management, healthcare access, and ensuring smoother travel for pilgrims.
CM Dhami also proposed the formulation of a dedicated “Mountain Aviation Policy” by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. This policy, he suggested, should include special financial support, subsidies for operations, improved Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure tailored to hilly terrains, real-time weather forecasting systems, slotting facilities, and better disaster response mechanisms.
He further urged aviation operators to prioritize mountain-specific pilot training, adhere strictly to safety protocols, and ensure passenger safety in difficult terrains.
The event was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Gautam Kumar, Haryana Cabinet Minister Shri Vipul Goyal, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan, and senior officials from participating states.
The conference marked a collaborative step towards enhancing air connectivity and safety in India’s hill states, aligning with the broader vision of regional development through robust aviation infrastructure.
