STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that air travel in India is no longer a luxury of the elite.
Speaking on the occasion of the completion of 75 glorious years of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Dr Jitendra Singh said, the credit for making air travel a common man’s mode of transport goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through visionary schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), doubling in the number of airports, affordable airfare etc.
He added that it is now a common sight at airports to see people wearing “Hawai” chappals boarding the “Hawai-Jahaz” (Air Flight).
This has been possible not only due to affordable air fare, but also the number of airports has more than doubled in the last over 9 years from 75 in 2014 to over 150 today, the Minister added.
Dwelling on the Aeronautical and Space sectors, Dr Jitendra informed that after India’s totally indigenous Maiden Manned Mission Gaganyaan in 2025, an Indian will land on Moon in 2040 and India will have its own Space Station by 2035.
Dr Jitendra said here that Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) has been a crucible of innovation, a platform for collaboration, and a catalyst for the growth of the aerospace industry in our country.
Dr Jitendra said, India’s progress in science and technology, especially in aviation and aerospace in the past 9-10 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands as a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He said, after the unlocking of the Space Sector in 2020, there are now around 150 deep tech Start-Ups working in this sector from a mere 4-5 in 2014.
Dr Jitendra said that as we look at the future, India is poised for even greater heights in aerospace technology, as the government remains steadfast in its support for the scientific community, providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to propel us further. The recently launched “Make in India” initiative has already begun to transform our aerospace landscape, fostering indigenous production and innovation, the Minister added.
In conclusion, Dr Jitendra Singh extended his best wishes for the success of the conference and the continued success of the Aeronautical Society of India. May we soar to new heights, explore uncharted territories and contribute to the scientific legacy of our great nation, the Minister added.
