Mangaluru Airport records highest ever passenger handling, air traffic movement in October
Mangaluru International Airport has set a new milestone by handling the highest ever passenger and air traffic movements (ATMs) for FY2024-25 in October 2024.
Mangaluru International Airport handled a total of 202,892 passengers, comprising 138,902 domestic and 63,990 international travelers, an average of 6,500 passengers per day in October 2024. The number of passengers handled in October 2024 is an improvement over the 189,247 passengers processed in September 2024. The airport achieved the previous highest number for FY 2024-25 – 199,818 passengers – in August 2024.
Additionally, the airport recorded a total of 1,538 air traffic movements, which includes 1,091 domestic, 403 international, and 44 general aviation flights. The Airport handled 1,433 air traffic movements in September 2024. This surge in air traffic highlights the capability of Mangaluru International Airport to efficiently handle a diverse range of flights and its strategic importance in connecting Mangaluru to various domestic and international destinations.
“The growth in passengers and air traffic movements is a testament to the continuous efforts in enhancing infrastructure, streamlining operations and prioritising passenger experience. The record-breaking numbers stand testament to the Airport's dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in the aviation sector in the region,” a Mangaluru Airport spokesperson said.
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Maharashtra government considers tweaks to Ladki Bahin scheme amid fiscal strain: Reports
Mumbai: A day after the Mahayuti coalition secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, attention has turned to the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme that played a pivotal role in attracting women voters.
The scheme, launched in July 2024, offers ₹1,500 per month to economically disadvantaged women aged 18 to 65. The Mahayuti, in its election manifesto, pledged to increase the amount to ₹2,100 per month, a promise now under scrutiny due to fiscal concerns. With the scheme projected to cost the exchequer ₹33,300 crore from July 2024 to March 2025, bureaucrats are exploring ways to revise its provisions to prevent a financial imbalance.
Finance Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar hinted at the challenges, stressing the need for "financial discipline." A senior bureaucrat confirmed that plans are underway to prune the list of beneficiaries, citing the inclusion of ineligible individuals due to incomplete Aadhaar seeding and lack of required ration cards. According to the finance department, nearly one crore women out of the 2.43 crore registered beneficiaries may not qualify for the scheme.
The state’s debt burden is already projected to reach ₹7.82 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Officials warn that continuing the scheme in its current form could impact the government’s ability to pay salaries by January. Despite these concerns, the ruling coalition is hesitant to reduce the beneficiary list, likely due to the upcoming civic elections.
Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik is expected to present renegotiation proposals to the new chief minister soon. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde credited the scheme for increasing the number of women voters and boosting the coalition’s vote share. NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar also acknowledged the scheme’s role in mobilising women voters.
Other welfare measures introduced by the government include an electricity bill waiver for farmers and three free LPG cylinders annually for six million households. However, the financial viability of such initiatives remains a pressing concern.
