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Air India crash aftermath: What are the steps Centre is taking to strengthen India’s aviation sector? Union Minister answers

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Murlidhar Mohol, MoS, Civil Aviation said that Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has undertaken several efforts to strengthen the country's aviation safety.

Wreckage of the crashed airplane (Express Photo)Wreckage of the crashed airplane (Express Photo)

Air India Flight 171 crash: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recently released its preliminary report of the investigation into the June 12 Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad (AI-171). However, a detailed investigation is in progress to determine the probable cause(s)/ contributory factor(s) leading to the accident. The tragic accident killed 260 people (241 on board and 19 on the ground).

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Murlidhar Mohol, MoS, Civil Aviation said that the data from one of the Flight Recorders of AI-171 (VT-ANB) has been downloaded in the Flight Recorder Lab of the AAIB at Udaan Bhawan. He also stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has undertaken several efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation safety on a regular basis.

“An Investigation has been ordered by Director General (DG), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under Rule 11 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents & Incidents) Rules, 2017 to determine the probable cause(s)/ contributory factor(s) leading to the accident. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – India has a robust mechanism to enhance the aviation safety to ensure the safe operations,” the Union Minister said.

Indian aviation sector, Aviation Safety

A look at the steps taken by the DGCA for ensuring safe flight operations in the country:

  • DGCA has a systematic safety oversight mechanism in place for monitoring the compliance of Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements encompassing all the aircraft and the airport operators. The safety oversight process includes surveillances, spot check and regulatory audits. In addition special audits are also carried out as per the risk perceived,
  • DGCA publishes Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its website. Each directorate conduct surveillance/spot checks in their respective technical areas as per the ASP,
  • Findings of audits, surveillances & spot checks are followed up with the concerned operator compliance. The observations are closed after due verification. Further the compliance of the action taken by the operator is verified during the next audit/surveillance,
  • In case of any violations/non- compliance to regulations detected during audit/surveillance, enforcement action including financial penalty is imposed by the DGCA,
  • To meet minimum Acceptable Level of Safety (ALoS), DGCA has established National Aviation Safety Plan containing “operational safety risk”. Each operational safety risk is measured in terms of Safety Performance Indicators linked with Safety Performance Targets and objectives. To achieve the target, action plan has been prepared in consultation with service providers. The current National Aviation Safety Plan is from 2024 to 2028.

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

 

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