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‘Rs 49k cr losses put aviation sector on verge of collapse’

NEW DELHI: The Maharaja must be replaced by the aam admi as the mascot of Indian aviation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is learnt to have conveyed this to aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju when the latter briefed him about the critical condition of the debt-laden sector on Saturday.The PM took notes as the minister and secretary Ashok Lavasa described how the sector was facing existential crisis thanks to its Rs 49,000-crore loans. He keenly heard the required policy initiatives and taxation reforms the sector is hoping from the government to come out of this mess. A lower cost regime, stressed the aviation team, will be able to lead to safe and affordable flying that will lead to the common man becoming the face of aviation — a far cry when flying was only for the Maharajas.“Modi stressed on connectivity of airports with highways, ports and city side development of airports for commercial purposes. He emphasized that CCTVs should not only be used for security but also to ensure cleanliness at airports as well as keeping a vigil on other service providers like customs and immigrations,” said a senior official.Prime Minister Modi urged that use of solar power must be promoted at airports. The PM also asked the aviation authorities to take steps to reverse the downgrade of Indian aviation safety ranking by the US federal aviation administration which happened solely due to UPA’s neglect of DGCA.On their part, the aviation team tried to impress upon the PM that the sector should not be perceived as 'elitist' but one that will benefit the common man given the huge dimensions of India where fast, safe and affordable connectivity is vital to link the country.“It (the sector) has the potential to be 'driver' of growth than a mere responder to demand. Unlike several infrastructure sectors, it requires very little government investment,” the aviation team told the PM while seeking creation of an atmosphere that is conducive to attracting investment and asking for tax rationalization, especially on jet fuel.