Question : ROUTE DISPERSAL GUIDELINES

(a) whether the Government proposes/ has any proposal to revise the Route Dispersal guidelines to improve the air services to far-flung and inaccessible areas like the North-East;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has enlisted the services of any consultancy firm for policy framework for expansion of air connectivity to small towns and cities on a low-cost basis;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the suggestions made by the consultancy firm; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to promote low-cost carriers for the North-Eastern States during the 12th Five Year Plan?

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI AJIT SINGH )

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the HOuse.

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN REPLY TO STARRED QUESTION NO. 323 DATED 20.03.2013 REGARDING ROUTE DISPERSAL GUIDELINES

(a) and (b): Ministry of Civil Aviation had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Rohit Nandan, the then Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation to review the Civil Aviation Requirement on Regional Scheduled Operations (RSOP) and other air connectivity issues. One of the recommendations of the Committee was revise the existing Route Dispersal Guidelines.

(c) and (d): Yes, Madam. The Ministry had engaged M/s Delloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Limited as a Consultant to recommend measures for promoting Regional and Remote Area Air Connectivity in the country. The consultant has since submitted its report in which it has made the following important recommendations-
(i) Identification of towns/cities for promotion of air connectivity.
(ii) Revision of Route Dispersal Guidelines.
(iii) Creation of Regional Air Connectivity Fund (RACF).
(iv) Reconsideration of various charges/taxes imposed on airlines.
(v) Support from State Govt. in terms of providing security, land and extension of roads, reduction of property tax and providing rescue and fire fighting services.
(vi) Construction of low-cost airports.

(e): There is no proposal with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to promote low-cost carriers for the North-Eastern States. However, the Ministry has granted initial No Objection Certificate to M/s. North East Shttle Pvt. Ltd. to operate Scheduled Air Transport (Regional) SErvices in East and North-East REgions.