The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the counsel for the Union of India and the State Government to obtain clear instructions on the implementation of aviation policies and the steps proposed to improve Gwalior’s air connectivity.
A PIL was filed against the persistent issue of inadequate flight connectivity from Gwalior’s newly redeveloped Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Airport, despite an investment of nearly ₹500 crore. The PIL was filed by Sudarshan Jhavar, President of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India, Gwalior (CREDAI), asserting that only three flights currently operate from the upgraded airport, even though passenger demand from the region is significantly higher.
Counsel for the petitioner contended that the Central Government’s UDAN Policy (2016) and the State’s Civil Aviation Policy, 2025, were formulated to ensure low-cost regional connectivity and link underserved cities through new airports, helipads, and allied infrastructure. However, Gwalior continues to lag behind despite being a major urban centre with strong aviation demand.
The petitioner submitted that it is not the paucity of passengers but the lack of will that has resulted in the failure to operationalise new flight routes.
Taking note of the submissions, the Bench of Justice Anand Pathak & Justice Anil Verma, directed the Dy. Solicitor General and the Additional Advocate Generals to obtain clear instructions from their respective governments regarding the implementation of aviation policies and proposed steps to improve connectivity.
The matter will be heard again after three weeks in December 2025.
Appearances:
For Petitioner: Shri Siddharth Sijoriya, Shri Madhur Bhargava
Respondents 1: Shri Praveen Newaskar, Dy. Solicitor General
Respondents 2 & 5: Shri Vivek Khedkar, Sr. Adv./AAG; Shri Ravindra Dixit, GA; Shri Ankur Mody, AAG
