Aviation to roads: Here're the key transport challenges for the next govt

Private investment in airports, roads, and railways, besides successful commissioning of projects, will be key challenges that any ruling party will have to tackle in order to facilitate world-class transport services. At a time when private sector interest in airports is growing, two of the country’s biggest airlines — Jet Airways and Air India — are facing financial stress.

Aviation

Domestic air traffic growth hit a five-year low in FY19, mostly due to the grounding of Jet Airways. The fall was more prominent in the Jan-Mar quarter when the number of flyers grew by only 4.92%, the slowest in five years. The airline at its peak was operating 119 aircraft. The sudden removal of such a sizeable capacity led to a vacuum in the market.

Airport congestion has been the black spot in India’s aviation story. Crippled by land acquisition process, multiple planned second airports in metro cities are running behind deadline, which can hurt India’s aviation growth story.

Ports

The Centre had envisaged port-led development through its Sagarmala project, but the progress on the same needs a push. There’s a need to focus on development of major ports and bring their infrastructure on par with international standards.

Roads

The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016, which aimed at stricter penalties for offenders, was pending in the Rajya Sabha and has now lapsed. The new government needs to push for hybrid annuity models and road monetization.

Railways

India electrified 10,500 route kilometres (RKM) in five years. Next govt to add 28,000 RKM in three years. Station redevelopment will be key focus area for the new government. Completion of both the domestic freight corridors will be taken up on a priority basis.