A Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised serious concerns across key infrastructure sectors, including aviation, ports, roads and tourism, in its latest reports tabled in Parliament.
Chaired by Sanjay Kumar Jha, the Committee presented its 387th to 391st reports in both Houses, reviewing the Demands for Grants for five ministries for the financial year 2026–27.
Aviation safety under scrutiny
The Committee flagged systemic safety concerns in the aviation sector, citing audit findings by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which found recurring defects in nearly half of the aircraft inspected. It recommended the formation of an independent high-level panel to conduct a comprehensive safety review within six months.
The panel also called for a formal impact assessment of the UDAN scheme, noting the absence of a clear exit strategy for routes after subsidy support ends. It highlighted manpower shortages within the regulator, with vacancy levels exceeding 48 per cent, and pushed for a statutory passenger rights charter to address compensation, delays and accountability as annual air traffic crosses 350 million passengers.
Ports, shipping face capacity and execution issues
In the maritime sector, the Committee pointed to underutilisation of port capacity, with throughput at major ports significantly below installed capacity. It recommended a comprehensive audit and faster implementation of key connectivity projects such as the rail link between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Dedicated Freight Corridor.
The panel also flagged slow progress under the Sagarmala Programme, noting that only about one-third of identified projects have been completed. Amid disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict affecting Red Sea routes, it urged adoption of a Maritime Resilience and Trade Diversification Framework.
Road sector urged to address safety gaps
The Committee raised alarm over road safety, noting around 4.73 lakh accidents and 1.7 lakh fatalities recorded in 2024. It recommended setting measurable reduction targets and establishing a dedicated National Highway Safety Patrol.
It also called for a “completion-first” approach to project execution, highlighting delays in highway construction managed by the National Highways Authority of India, and suggested a structured plan to clear under-construction stretches and avoid cost escalation.
Tourism, culture face funding concerns
In tourism, the panel noted underutilisation of funds and the absence of a dedicated marketing budget. It recommended setting up an India Tourism Promotion Board and ensuring ring-fenced allocations for promotion.
It also highlighted delays in flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, with most projects still in early stages. For the culture ministry, the Committee suggested earmarking a portion of monument ticketing revenue for conservation and addressing staffing shortages at sites managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Across sectors, the Committee emphasised the need for stronger institutional capacity, better financial discipline, improved monitoring frameworks and greater accountability in project execution, alongside more transparent reporting of capital investments.
