The recent Ahmedabad plane crash, involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, is likely to prompt a thorough discussion on air safety concerns within the Transport Committee. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12th, resulted in the tragic loss of 241 lives, with only one passenger surviving. The aircraft crashed into a medical college complex, also claiming the lives of at least 30 people on the ground.
Given the severity of the accident, the Transport Committee is expected to address various aspects of aviation safety, potentially leading to the summoning of airline representatives and other stakeholders. A key focus of the discussions will likely revolve around the circumstances leading to the crash and the adequacy of existing safety protocols. The committee may seek to understand whether there were any systemic failures or oversights that contributed to the disaster.
Several factors are likely to be examined, including the maintenance history of the aircraft, pilot training procedures, and the role of regulatory bodies. Scrutiny may also extend to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with questions arising about the effectiveness of its oversight and enforcement of safety norms. Notably, reports indicate that the DGCA is operating with a significant number of vacant posts, potentially impacting its ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
The investigation into the Ahmedabad crash is already underway, with a high-level multi-disciplinary committee formed to analyze the causes and suggest improvements to prevent future accidents. This committee comprises top government officials and representatives from various agencies, including the Gujarat home department, the state disaster response authority, and the DGCA. International bodies such as the US National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing are also assisting in the investigation. Investigators have successfully recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (black box) from the crash site, which are crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the accident.
In addition to the immediate aftermath of the crash, the Transport Committee's discussions are also expected to encompass broader issues related to aviation safety in India. This could involve a review of existing infrastructure, investment in safety measures, and the implementation of international best practices. The committee may also consider the impact of rapid expansion in the aviation sector, particularly the UDAN scheme, on safety standards. As the number of airports and air travelers increases, it is essential to ensure that safety infrastructure and regulatory oversight keep pace. A parliamentary standing committee had previously raised concerns about understaffing and modest investment in security and accident investigation infrastructure. They also pointed out that despite the increase in the number of airports, the budget for schemes aimed at enhancing security protocols and accident response mechanisms has been reduced.
The Congress party has already criticized the Modi government for alleged negligence in prioritizing aviation safety, citing the significant number of vacant posts in key regulatory bodies. They have called for clarification on the lack of action despite previous warnings from a parliamentary committee. The Transport Committee's deliberations will, therefore, be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring that necessary steps are taken to enhance aviation safety in India.
