NABH NIRMAN Scheme: Aim, Objectives, Features, Need, and Challenges

PWOnlyIAS March 18, 2024 05:50 2396 0

NABH NIRMAN Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to increase the capacity of various airports under the NABH (NextGen Airports for BHarat) Nirman initiative.

NABH NIRMAN Scheme: Aim, Objectives, Features, Need, and Challenges

Introduction

NABH NIRMAN Scheme is an initiative under the government of India which proposes to expand airport capacity in India by more than five times to handle a billion trips a year.

About NABH NIRMAN Scheme

NABH NIRMAN Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to increase the capacity of various airports under the NABH (NextGen Airports for BHarat) Nirman initiative.

  • Aim- NABH NIRMAN program is expected to increase airport capacity in the country by more than five times to handle a billion trips a year. It will be done by establishing 100 airports in 15 years with an investment of about Rs.4 Lakh Crores. 
NABH NIRMAN Scheme (Nextgen Airports For Bharat) Nirman Initiative
Launch Year 2018
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Civil Aviation

Objectives of NABH NIRMAN Scheme

Objectives of NABH NIRMAN Scheme

  • To improve passenger amenities and improve passenger services in a big way.
  • To promote cargo handling facilities.
  • To attract investments from the private sector.
  • Early operationalisation of 56 new airports under UDAN key initiative.
  • Improving regional connectivity.

 

NABH NIRMAN Scheme

Features of NABH NIRMAN Scheme 

  • Adopting More Sustainable Approach: Adopting renewable energy, developing green airports and promoting the fuel-efficient aircraft will help to promote sustainable development without affecting climate.
  • Improving regional connectivity: This scheme focuses on regional connectivity by bringing smaller towns and villages to major airports which will help to boost economic growth and development in these areas.
  • Attracting Public-Private Partnership: The scheme will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This will help to attract private investment and expertise to the aviation sector. Empowering Airport authority leverages its balance sheet to attract more investments. 
  • Forging Coordination with States- for the better regional connectivity and expanding the air transport to the remotest area.
  • Building Capacity- Raising capacity in area of airport expansion, skilled staff and airport parking.

Why is the NABH NIRMAN Scheme Needed?

  • Bulging Passenger Volume- After roll out of UDAN scheme there is a flux of passenger choosing air transport so it is expected that the passenger traffic will cross 1 billion in the coming years. So, there is a need to address this big flow of passengers.
  • Inadequate Infrastructure- Upgrading is essential to upgrade its infrastructure and increase its capacity so that more economic activities can take place, which will ultimately contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.
  • Promote Regional Development- By building new airports in underserved and unserved areas, the scheme can help to connect smaller towns and villages to major cities. This can boost economic growth and improve opportunities for people living in these areas.

Do NABH and UDAN Are Same?

Although the objectives of UDAN and NABH NIRMAN Scheme are overlapping, UDAN and NABH programs are not the same. UDAN was introduced in 2017 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. UDAN aims to enhance regional connectivity in India by developing smaller airports, making aviation services more accessible to citizens. 

The primary objective of the NABH NIRMAN Scheme is to expand the capacity of airports across India by increasing the number of flights to accommodate a higher number of travelers. Regional connectivity plays a very crucial role in achieving this objective, as it allows more people to access airports, leading to an overall increase in the number of passengers.

To make this objective fulfill UDAN was introduced with specific components 

  • Improving existing regional airports and establishing new ones to enhance regional connectivity.
  • Implementing capped airfares and introducing new flight routes connecting underserved and unserved airports in small towns.

NABH NIRMAN Scheme primarily focuses on enhancing passenger facilities and ensuring the prompt operationalization of 56 new airports, all of which fall under the UDAN scheme. If we can analyse, NABH and UDAN schemes work together to not only improve airport infrastructure but also to make air travel more accessible and efficient for citizens across the country.

NABH NIRMAN Scheme

Challenges Are Associated With NABH NIRMAN Scheme

  • Scale of the project- Adding 100 airports and expansion of capacity of airports by five times is a massive undertaking that will require careful planning and execution.
  • Constraints of Financial resources- The Overall projection of the scheme estimated to cost over $1 trillion so NABH program is heavily relied on by the private players for its success.
  • Clearance Issues- NABH program requires many clearance before implementation which include land acquisition, environmental clearances, and project management these can be a lengthy and complex process, especially in urban areas. 
  • Existing Scheme- UDAN scheme is already present which is expanding the regional connectivity and making air travel more economical for common people. So rolling out a scheme with almost the same objective somewhere compromises the efficiency of both programs.

Suggestive Measures 

  • Easing implementation- To ease the implementation of NABH there is a need for single window clearance from all respective departments and Employing innovative methods like land banks, public-private partnerships, and flexible compensation models can expedite land acquisition, a crucial bottleneck.
  • Technological Advancements- Developing smart airports equipped with AI AI-powered traffic management, biometrics for seamless passenger flow, and automation in baggage handling can enhance efficiency and capacity.
  • Fostering Private Participation- Easing the way for private players by offering tax breaks, long-term leases, and revenue-sharing models can entice private players to invest in airport development and operation, releasing the financial burden on the government.

Strength

  • Government support: NABH NIRMAN Scheme program provides stability and resources for long-term project execution.
  • Boost to Economic growth: NABH program will felicitate the Job creation, boosting tourism and utilising the regional resource.
  • Sustainable Approach: Projects sanctioned under NABH pass through environment clearance and various other environmental checks which ultimately minimize the environmental impact of the growing aviation sector.

Weakness

  • Large-scale implementation challenges: Land acquisition, environmental clearances, and project management complexities.
  • Financial limitations: Public funding might fall short, requiring strong private sector partnerships.
  • Regional development disparities: Balancing infrastructure development across underserved and existing urban areas.

Opportunities

  • Technological advancements: Incorporating cutting-edge technology in airport design, operation, and traffic management.
  • Emerging aviation markets: Capitalizing on the growth of domestic and regional air travel demand.
  • Tourism potential: Improved connectivity can attract international tourists and boost the sector.
  • Cargo market growth: Developing India as a major air cargo hub for international trade.

Threat

  • Global economic downturns: Potential fluctuations in demand and funding during economic recessions.
  • Competition from other countries: Investing in aviation infrastructure globally puts pressure on India to maintain competitiveness.

 

Also Read: Passenger Raises Privacy Concern Over Digi Yatra

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

NABH NIRMAN Scheme initiative under the government of India which proposes to expand airport capacity in India by more than five times to handle a billion trips a year.

NABH stands for (Nextgen Airports For Bharat) Nirman Initiative.

Although UDAN and NABH NIRMAN Scheme have same objectives but there is small diversion from each of them UDAN is more focused towards regional connectivity and affordability for passengers whereas NABH focuses towards investments for expanding the airport facility.

No, NABH focuses not only on the expansion of air transportation but also the expansion of promoting cargo handling facilities.

No, not at all Digi Yatra is a digital initiative aimed at reducing the time of passengers by eliminating long queues.
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