- India will set up a National Aviation Safety Centre to enhance its air safety infrastructure amid rapid growth in air traffic and airport expansion. The initiative was announced during the Asia-Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting in New Delhi.
Objective and Scope
- Union Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the centre will focus on capacity building, institutional reforms, and international cooperation . It will strengthen safety oversight, improve regulatory compliance, and support India’s goal of becoming a global aviation hub.
Workforce Expansion
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to double the staff strength of both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) . This expansion, enabled by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 , aims to enhance the efficiency and statutory authority of India’s aviation regulators.
Training and Global Collaboration
- To align with ICAO standards , Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) auditor courses will be introduced at the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) . India also offered to share its aviation laboratories with APAC-AIG member countries for aircraft defect analysis.
Exam-Oriented Facts
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New Initiative: National Aviation Safety Centre
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Announced at: APAC-AIG Meeting, New Delhi
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Law Framework: Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024
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India’s ICAO Safety Score: 85% in 2025 (up from 70% in 2018)
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DGCA Role: Regulates aviation safety and licensing
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AAIB Role: Investigates aircraft accidents
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ICAO Ranking: India rose from 112th to 55th globally
Future Outlook
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu stated that India aims to expand its airport network to 350–400 airports by 2047 while maintaining top-tier safety standards. The new centre will serve as a cornerstone in ensuring that India’s aviation growth remains safe, sustainable, and globally compliant.
Month: Current Affairs - October 29, 2025
Category: Civil Aviation and Infrastructure Development