Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu reviewed measures to simplify and streamline the No Objection Certificate (NOC) process in the civil aviation sector, with a focus on making approvals more transparent, automated and time-bound.
The proposed reforms include providing applicants with permissible building height information at the initial stage, particularly in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, enabling developers and other stakeholders to plan projects accordingly.
The meeting also discussed simplifying aeronautical studies, reducing physical site verification requirements at the initial stage and rationalising documentation such as building development plans.
Officials further examined expanding the use of the No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS) and the possibility of issuing NOCs at the Urban Local Body (ULB) level, where feasible. NOCAS currently covers areas within 20 km for VFR operations and 56 km for IFR operations.
The Minister directed officials to work out modalities for simplifying, automating and decentralising the NOC process within 15 days, while ensuring aviation safety requirements remain fully protected.
The reforms are aimed at creating a simpler and more predictable clearance framework, supporting faster infrastructure development, investment and economic activity.