Court Expands Scope of PIL to Address Step-Motherly Treatment Alleged Under Regional Connectivity Scheme
In a recent judgment passed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, the court took a proactive stance on the issue of inadequate air connectivity in the state, particularly affecting airports in Shimla, Kullu, and Kangra. The court, led by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi, has directed the Union of India to explain the exclusion of Shimla from the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and to take necessary measures to rectify the situation.
The judgment came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the lack of sufficient flight operations in the region, which has not only inconvenienced residents but also hampered the state's vital tourism industry. The court expanded the scope of the PIL initially filed to address bird menace at Kangra/Gaggal Airport, to encompass broader concerns regarding air connectivity across Himachal Pradesh.
During the proceedings, the court observed that the Union of India had not made adequate arrangements for a sufficient number of flights to operate from the state's airports, despite the existing infrastructure. It was highlighted that the state's tourism-centric economy heavily relies on air connectivity, and the current inadequacies pose significant challenges to travel and tourism.
The court further underscored the financial constraints faced by the State Government, noting its substantial contribution as a Viability Gap Fund for flight operations. The bench urged the Union of India to take proactive measures to support air connectivity in the state, emphasizing the necessity of extending the benefits of the UDAN Scheme to Shimla and other airports to promote tourism and ease travel for residents.
In response to the court's directives, an affidavit filed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation revealed the government's budget allocation for the development of Shimla and Kullu Airports. However, the affidavit admitted the absence of scheduled flight operations at Shimla due to aircraft shortages. It also mentioned the limited availability of small aircraft suitable for the region's airports.
The court expressed its discontent with the contrasting stands taken by the Central and State governments, particularly the exclusion of Shimla from the modified UDAN Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. The court called for the presence of the Secretary from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to explain the rationale behind the exclusion and address the alleged step-motherly treatment towards Himachal Pradesh.
Acknowledging the logistical challenges faced by residents and tourists due to insufficient air connectivity, the court emphasized the imperative need for adequate connectivity to facilitate tourism and ease travel burdens. The bench granted permission for the concerned officer to join the proceedings via video conferencing, highlighting the difficulties faced by officials traveling from New Delhi to Shimla without direct air connectivity.
The court's judgment reflects a significant step towards addressing the air connectivity issues in Himachal Pradesh, with proceedings deferred to May 6, 2026, to allow further discussions and potential commencement of flight operations by Alliance Air.
Bottom line:-
Public Interest Litigation - Issues regarding inadequate air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh - Step-motherly treatment alleged under Regional Connectivity Scheme - State of Himachal Pradesh's tourism and connectivity concerns highlighted - Directions issued to Union of India for explanation and further action.
Statutory provision(s): Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), UDAN Scheme, Viability Gap Fund (VGF)
