Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Demands Separate Aviation Policy for Hill States

Dehradun : Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for a dedicated aviation policy for India’s hill states, emphasizing the unique geographical and logistical challenges they face. He made this appeal while participating in the Civil Aviation Conference 2025 held in Dehradun on Friday.

The event witnessed the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, along with civil aviation ministers from various northern states.

Speaking at the conference, CM Dhami stated that the event stands as a testament to the historic progress made in India’s civil aviation sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He lauded the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which has significantly enhanced air connectivity to small towns and remote regions, making air travel more accessible to the common citizen and bolstering local economies.

Highlighting Uttarakhand’s progress, the Chief Minister informed that 18 heliports are currently being developed across the state, of which 12 are already operational. He emphasized that in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, helicopter services are not just a mode of transport—they have become a lifeline, especially in areas like disaster response, healthcare, and religious tourism.

Demand for a Special Mountain Aviation Policy

CM Dhami urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to frame a separate “Mountain Aviation Policy” specifically for hill states. He proposed the inclusion of:

• Special financial assistance and operational subsidies
• Development of suitable ATC (Air Traffic Control) networks for hilly terrain
• Accurate weather forecasting systems
• Slotting arrangements and pre-disaster preparedness protocols

He also appealed to all aviation operators to:

• Ensure specialized pilot training for mountain flying
• Enforce strict safety standards
• Prioritize passenger safety at all stages

The conference was also attended by senior dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shri Suresh Kumar Khanna, Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Shri Gautam Kumar, Haryana Cabinet Minister Shri Vipul Goel, and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan, along with officials from various participating states.

– Department of Information and Public Relations, Uttarakhand