(a) whether the Government has any plan for creating dual use infrastructure integrating civil and military ecosystem to optimize resource utilization;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the timelines fixed for the transformation to be effective in the matter?
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) to (c): Development of infrastructure to include construction of roads, strategic railway lines and tunnels is being carried out in a holistic and comprehensive manner to meet the civilian as well as operational requirements of the Indian Army. In addition, a concept of ‘Whole of the Nation Approach’ has been enunciated which is aimed at facilitating incorporation of military requirements in national infrastructure development at the planning stage itself thus rendering them capable of dual-use.
Existing Dual Use Naval Air Stations. The Indian Navy operates the following three Dual Use Naval Air Stations, where both scheduled and non-scheduled Civil Flights operate, utilizing Military infrastructure:-
(i) Dabolim, Goa
(ii) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
(iii) Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Planned Dual Use Naval Air Stations. Under the UDAN-RCS III Scheme, the following Naval Air Stations are planned for ‘Dual Use’, to facilitate operations by Civil Flights:-
(i) Ramnad, Tamil Nadu.
(ii) Campbell Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
(iii) Shibpur, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
As far as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is concerned, the concept of dual use infrastructure integrating military and civil ecosystem to optimize resource utilization already exists in the form of Joint User Airfields (JUAs). Most of the Military controlled airfields are being used for civil operations. Similarly, some of the civil airfields are being used for regular military operations. At these JUAs, airfield infrastructure and Air Traffic Services infrastructure are commonly used by both civil as well as military operators.
Development of dual use infrastructure integrating civil and military requirements is a continuous process.
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