Maharashtra Government Announces Comprehensive Baramati Airport Development Following Fatal Crash
In a significant development for aviation infrastructure in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has confirmed that the state government will initiate all-round development of the Baramati airport. This decision comes directly in response to the tragic plane crash that occurred near the Baramati airstrip on January 28, which claimed the lives of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals.
Government Response and Infrastructure Plans
Responding to specific queries about whether the state planned to upgrade the Baramati runway, install proper navigational aids, and strengthen air traffic control monitoring, CM Fadnavis provided a clear confirmation via text message late on Tuesday. "Yes," he stated unequivocally, adding that the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) would be responsible for executing the development work.
The Baramati facility, which features a distinctive table-top runway, was transferred from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation to MADC just last year. While official queries sent to MADC vice-chairman and managing director Swati Pandey regarding specific development details remained unanswered, sources indicate the state government is considering two primary approaches: preparing a fresh detailed project report (DPR) or revising the existing DPR that was previously transferred by MIDC on Ajit Pawar's instructions.
Growing Demands for Aviation Safety Audits
The fatal accident has sparked urgent demands from aviation experts for comprehensive safety reviews across Maharashtra's aviation infrastructure. Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale (retd) emphasized the critical need for immediate action, telling TOI: "Flying activity has increased significantly in recent years, with many small airports and airstrips now frequently used by private charter aircraft. Given this expanded usage, conducting thorough audits to assess infrastructure, operations, and overall safety has become extremely important."
Maharashtra boasts one of the highest concentrations of airports and airstrips in the country, making systematic safety evaluations particularly crucial. Repeated attempts to contact Pune MP and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol regarding whether the ministry planned to audit flight training organizations (FTOs) and unlicensed airstrips went unanswered, highlighting the communication gaps in addressing these pressing concerns.
Expert Recommendations for Systemic Improvements
Aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar argued that mere inspections are insufficient for ensuring safety compliance. "The frequency of checks must increase substantially, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) should implement swift and strict actions in cases of non-compliance," he asserted. Vandekar specifically called for strengthened regulatory oversight of FTOs and non-scheduled operators, particularly regarding pilot training standards and aircraft airworthiness certifications.
Deepak Shastri, another aviation expert, pointed to systemic pressures within the industry that compromise safety protocols. "Pilots often operate under vulnerable conditions due to privatization trends and unemployment pressures," he explained. "Given the high operational costs and economic uncertainties, adherence to safety norms can easily become diluted, sometimes at the risk of pilots' own lives. Authorities must simplify regulatory processes and create an ethical, supportive environment, especially within private aviation sectors."
Calls for Comprehensive Regulatory Strengthening
Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, provided specific recommendations for regulatory improvements. "DGCA is strongly advised to strengthen its audit processes at uncontrolled airfields, and extend this scrutiny across non-scheduled operators and private flying academies that utilize such facilities," he stated. "A robust physical audit of all these facilities and companies will ensure that travelers across India gain greater confidence in our aviation systems."
Vandekar added a crucial perspective regarding airports serving developing regions: "Airports serving growing towns like Baramati should not be permitted to remain uncontrolled. The regulatory framework must evolve to match the expanding aviation activities in these areas."
The combined expert consensus emphasizes that while the Baramati airport development represents a positive step, broader systemic reforms are urgently needed to prevent similar tragedies and ensure comprehensive aviation safety across Maharashtra and potentially nationwide.
