Maharashtra Ranks Second In Green Aviation With 10 Airports

Maharashtra has emerged as the second-leading state in India for green aviation infrastructure, with 10 operational airports running completely on 100% renewable energy. This milestone was achieved after the Ministry of Civil Aviation submitted state-wise data to the Rajya Sabha, revealing that Maharashtra is surpassed only by Uttar Pradesh, which leads the country with 12 green-powered airports.

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, disclosed the figures in a written response to a question in Rajya Sabha on Monday, regarding policies promoting green energy adoption across Indian airports. According to the data, a total of 106 airports nationwide have successfully transitioned to 100% renewable energy reliance, comprising 99 Airports Authority of India (AAI) facility bases and seven private or joint-venture airports.

Maharashtra currently has 16 operational airports, with 10 of them having shifted to complete use of renewable energy. The state's progress in decarbonising its civil aviation footprint is significant, and it is expected to continue in the coming years. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has outlined a comprehensive, phased strategy advising all operational airports with scheduled flights, alongside developers of upcoming greenfield airports, to actively pursue carbon neutrality and net-zero targets through clean power integration.

The ministry highlighted that airport operators have deployed extensive rooftop and ground-mounted solar power plants while simultaneously procuring green power from utility markets through open access arrangements. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is also extending technical assistance to AAI via the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for installing solar rooftop systems.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) explicitly factors capital expenditure related to green energy installations and carbon neutrality initiatives into its tariff determination process for major airports to lower the financial burden on airport operators. With 106 airports now utilising purely green energy, India’s aviation sector continues to align its infrastructure footprint with the nation’s broader net-zero climate commitments.

The continuous rollout of open-access procurement, combined with regulatory tariff considerations from AERA, is expected to drive remaining regional and greenfield airports toward full green-energy integration over the coming years. This milestone is a significant step towards reducing India's carbon footprint and achieving its climate goals.

The progress made by Maharashtra and other states in adopting green energy is a testament to the country's commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. As the aviation sector continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of air travel. With the right policies and infrastructure in place, India can become a leader in green aviation and set an example for other countries to follow.

In conclusion, Maharashtra's achievement of having 10 airports running on 100% renewable energy is a significant milestone in India's journey towards a more sustainable aviation sector. The state's progress, along with the country's overall commitment to green energy, is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to India's climate goals.