Aviation Minister inaugurates integrated office complex for aviation regulators

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia on September 18 inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Udaan Bhawan’, which will function as the integrated office complex for aviation regulators in New Delhi.

“Udaan Bhawan sets the stage for the take-off of civil aviation in our country and we commit that we will try and scale new heights for our sector, customers and most importantly for the people of India. It will be our resolve and our effort to make sure that this is a living building as well in addition to its being a facilitated building,” Scindia said.

The new complex located inside the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan complex near Safdarjung Airport will house offices of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The new complex with a built-up area of 70,940 sq meters has been built at a cost of Rs 374.98 crore and took three years to construct.

In April 2018, the central government had filed a request for environmental clearance to expand the original 2012 plan to a built-up area of 70,940 sq meters. The new project received clearance in January 2020.

Scindia also launched the Bharatkosh Advance Deposit (e-wallet) facility for the civil aviation ministry.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh and Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, among others, were also present at the inaugural function.

At the event, the AAI also announced that it added two new B-360 type of aircraft to meet the flying requirement for Flight Calibration of the increased number of Ground Navigational/landing aids installed at airports in India

"AAI has inducted two new B-360 type of aircraft equipped with advanced technology into the AAI Flight Inspection Unit’s Fleet. Flight calibration services ensure efficient and safe operation of aircraft by validating various Air Navigation Services Procedures," the minister added.

AAI will also provide necessary support by undertaking flight calibrations in the neighboring countries, which will also lead to the generation of revenue.

Earlier this week, Scindia asked various airport operators to take necessary steps to curb congestion during the upcoming festive season and winter peak travel.