Possibilities of more twin airports and hub airports are required to be considered.
Nirmal G. Humbad
Managing Director, Dorsch Consult India Pvt. Ltd.
How do you assess the current status of India’s airports sector?
India’s airport sector is undergoing significant transformation due to rising passenger demand, economic growth, and proactive government initiatives. The expanding middle class base has turned air travel from a luxury to a necessity, fuelling the demand. Passengers are now looking for faster and more convenient travel. Programs like UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) enhance regional connectivity by linking smaller cities with major hubs, making air travel more accessible.
Passenger traffic has touched 377 million passengers while cargo traffic has reached 35 lakh tons in the year FY 23-24.
Government is keen to promote airport infrastructure. Experience of airport implementation is adding to capacity building as far as consulting services, EPC contractors and key supplies which are required for airport construction.
What are the innovations happening in India’s airport infrastructure developments?
A key component driving innovation in India's airport infrastructure is the application of advanced technology. This includes the use of Digital Twin technology, Generative AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enhance operational efficiency, real-time data analytics, unified communication and passenger experience. Additionally, the incorporation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) for efficient energy management is revolutionizing airport operations.
Entire airport infrastructure implementation process is slowly moving to more and more software driven.
What is lacking in infrastructure and overall operations of Indian airports? What are the measures needed to overcome these shortcomings?
Despite strong progress, India's airport sector faces challenges that could hinder sustainable growth. Some of the Indian airports are operating at maximum capacity.
Capacity augmentation, wherever possible is suggested to be carried out.
Sophisticated passenger boarding bridges, baggage handling systems etc. are suggested to be manufactured in India.
Twin airports are suggested as a possible measure. With more airports being implemented, it is assumed that such sophisticated equipment will be manufactured in India. This will also have export potential.
What is your vision on India’s airport infrastructure development?
My vision for India’s airport infrastructure focuses on quality growth, resilience, innovation, and sustainability with more involvement of technology.
Possibilities of more twin airports and hub airports are required to be considered. Lifecycle cost concept is suggested to be considered in procurement practices, at least by concessionaires.
