75 airports in 75 years, 33 new airports in just one year: Jayant Sinha

The change from Finance to Aviation was considered as a demotion by some people. But how do you manage to change every situation into an opportunity?

It has been a great opportunity to come to the aviation ministry. Aviation is an important sector of infrastructure. So improvement in air connectivity was very important to speed up the economy. We started focusing on three things. First, to connect the Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities with air connectivity; Second, to improve the air connectivity in other larger states, to provide better facilities to the passengers; and third, to build new airport terminals as soon as possible. To complete these tasks in aviation is a big opportunity.

What do you think is your biggest contribution to this sector?

Seventy five airports opened in 75 years in the aviation sector. But we have started 33 new airports in just a single year which is an achievement of its own kind. People of Shimla are very excited about the start of the airport.

But only a single flight has started in Shimla…

We will add more aeroplanes as the demand increases and traffic increases. The sector is growing but we still face a shortage of pilots and aircraft.

You are constructing 100 new airports but will they be ready by 2019?

Our aim is to complete 40-50. There are several air strips in the country. For example, 1 km in Daltonganj. Similarly, there are other runways which have their existence from World War II and from the times of the emperors. These can be developed into airports.

Which private airlines are supporting you the most in regional connectivity?

We have prepared a complete industry for regional connectivity. In many cities, there is more demand for air connectivity. For this we have set up five airlines to meet the demand.  These include subsidiaries of Air India like Alliance Air, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, True Jet and Air Odisha. We hope that more airlines will join us.

How much support are you getting from the state governments?

Twenty two state governments have signed the aviation MoU. Following this, they will support in reducing taxes, providing facilities at the airports, and giving top-up on subsidies.  Our aim to is to connect every commissionerate.

The Prime Minister’s priority is Northeast. What special steps are you doing for that region?

Several runways were built in this region during World War-II. Now it is our endeavour to reform the best runway and make an airport there. We have expanded the airport in Shillong and are constructing an airport in Sikkim’s Pakyong. We also want to build a new airport in Guwahati which can be developed in the form of AEROTROPOLIS where there would be a multimodal connectivity i.e. road-train, airport and water-way connection thereby making Guwahati as a hub of north-east.

What is the financial status of Air India?

The condition of Air India is improving. The previous government had ruined the condition of the public sector enterprises. For the past three years, Air India has been reporting an operating profit, but still there is a loan of Rs 48,000 crore. Every year an interest of Rs 4,000 crore is being paid, which is the reason why the state-run air service is running into losses. We have prepared a transformational plan under which we are aiming to bring Air India in the category of top international airlines.

There are reports that fares will be hiked to bear the security cost at the airports…

Airfares tend to fluctuate depending on the prices of fuel, airport and security charge. The security charge of each airport is different. But we are in talks with the Home Ministry so that a Unified Security Architecture can be developed which will allow the security agencies to maintain a network view.

The issue of Navi Mumbai airport is on from the last 10-12 years. You claim that by 2020 the airport will be ready. Will it be possible?

We have completed the leveling and ground work. The contract has been given to GVK. Environmental clearance has also been given in stage-II. The work is in full swing. But there are two small mountains, a river and a sea which is making the work a little bit difficult. We hope that the leveling work will be completed in one-and-a-half years. As soon as we finish the work of a runway and the terminal, it will be thrown open for use.

The Uttar Pradesh CM has proposed to construct an airport near Noida. What is your reaction to that?

There is a need for an airport in Western UP which will cater to Noida, Greater Noida, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Agra and surrounding cities. The opening of an airport here would benefit the industries in this region which have developed quite a lot.

How is the work of Air Traffic Control System going on at the airports?

Mumbai ranks among the top airports in air traffic management. UK’s Gatwick Airport is the world’s most efficient airport where more than 50 flights take off and land every hour. The number has reached to 48 on Mumbai Airport which states that it is an efficient airport. A lot of work has also been done at Delhi airport. Our main focus is on the air traffic control system and air traffic management & safety.

Every now and then we hear that airplanes had a narrow escape from colliding in the sky. Then what about the air control?

We have studied the safety strategically which includes analysing the number of passengers, number of movement, taking off and landing. If we see these strategically, then there is not much of a difference. But when there is an accident, the media hypes it and people think that something has gone wrong. But if we strategically analyse, then nothing much has changed.

What will you do about air congestion, especially in Mumbai-Delhi?

There is only one runway in Mumbai which is why there is (a) problem there. However, in Delhi the problem is different. There are three runways in the national capital out of which one is Defence airspace and the other is a VIP area which is the reason why the aircrafts cannot fly from there, thus leading to congestion.

A few days back, an MP from Mumbai hit an Air India staff with slippers. The national carrier then banned him but later removed it. Officials from Air India feel that their respect and dignity is compromised under political pressure?

Whatever steps we have taken, it is wonderful in the whole world. In several countries there is a no-fly list but it is only for terrorist attacks or for times of danger. However, there is no such list for misbehaviour of passengers. Thus if there is any such incident in the future, we can handle it.

How long will it take to implement the no-fly list?

It will take us 3-4 weeks to implement this.

What is your vision for the next two years in this ministry?

Our government is for the poor people. It is our aim to give ample facilities to the poor and a lot of work has been done in this direction which includes electrification, road work, air connectivity etc. We want to give all these facilities to the people in two years. The second goal is to give scope for business which will help in the growth of the company, thereby providing employment to all. The third and most important goal is to focus on black money and increase the tax collection. We are reducing cash economy and encouraging formal economy. This is being done through GST and demonetization.

Has black money finished through demonetization?

A message has been delivered to the nation through demonetization that whatever one is doing through cash is wrong and against the country. If we have to take the country forward, then everything has to be digitised. Our country would become modern and powerful if GST is implemented.

What were you doing in Jharkhand and Hazaribagh?

We are constructing a new airport in Hazaribagh. We will start the work as soon as the land acquisition is completed.

Has any new proposal been floated for Hazaribagh in Momentum Jharkhand?

NTPC is going to invest Rs 24,000 crore in Patratu. It will be a 4000 MW power plant which will be a huge one in the country.  Patratu is going to be come a centre for power generation. A medical college is going to be set up there. An agricultural research institute is also coming.

How is your friend Raghubar Das working?

A network of roads has been set up, the problem of transformers has been done away with and there is electricity supply in every village. Industries are being set up through Momentum Jharkhand. Our state’s GDP is among the topmost state in today’s time.

There are several voices that all is not well politically in Jharkhand?

In cases of CNT and PNT, people debated a lot and held discussions which were mandatory for the development of Jharkhand. However the public welcomes our concrete steps and this would benefit the development.

People say that in order to stay away from disputes, you have reduced your interest in Jharkhand’s politics?

I am ready to do whatever is required for Jharkhand.

Are you creating a global order?

Yes it is happening. We are developing our country in a very sustainable manner using less natural resources.

What is the issue with Aadhaar card and Pan Card which is ongoing in the Supreme Court?

Your unique identity cannot be created without an Aadhaar Card. Unique identity is needed for many reasons. But we also have to think about the privacy of the people and a good discussion is going on in this. We have full faith that there will be good solution to this and the country would benefit by it.

What is the impact of the new ordinance which has been introduced to handle bad loan?

The number of bad loans has increased and has reached to Rs 10 lakh crore. We have to compress this as this is a huge burden on our economy.

What magic did you weave in Uttar Pradesh?

The people love BJP and the Prime Minister along with politics of development and honesty that we are practicing. Yogi Adityanath is also working in this direction and his only goal is to develop UP.

Do you attribute UP’s victory to the PM’s image or Amit Shah’s homework or a cocktail of both?

The PM’s image along with the thinking and planning of Amit Shah is unmatched. Also the contribution of local leaders Yogiji and Rajnathji were also impressive. Apart from this, the workers did an unmatched work.

Amit Shah is in Tripura now. Do you think that BJP would be able to form a government there?

BJP’s wave in the whole country is the Honourable PM’s wave. Our politics has been stamped by development, honesty and hard work. If you see our track record in rest of the states which are ruled by BJP, you will understand why people press the button on the lotus sign.

Generally anti-incumbency factor creeps in after three years but in case of Modiji, the case is different. How do you explain this contradiction?

As people are getting to know his (PM’s) vision, their faith in him is increasing and hence the momentum is catching up.

Do you think that the combination of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah will help in formation of governments in the state of West Bengal, Odisha and Kerala?

Wherever we get a chance, we will win there.

It is said that BJP is becoming a party of manipulation based on what happened in Goa and Manipur…

The chosen legislators decide on the government to be formed. Whether you take the instance of Goa or Manipur, the MLAs decided who would form the government.

Any unanimous candidate for Presidential election?

On one side are our ideals, our leaders who are dear to everyone. Everyone likes them and people are looking at their work. On the other side there is a conspiracy being hatched. Seeing all these you can decide as to whom the people are going to vote for.

Do you think you party is going to win the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections?

Definitely, the figures are pointing towards that.

Overall, after 2019, are there preparations for another 5-year tenure?

You talk about 2034, and I am ready for a discussion.