A parliamentary committee has urged the government to define a clear roadmap for Pawan Hans Ltd, highlighting concerns over its long-term future and operational direction. The panel emphasized the need for a strategic decision, whether through restructuring, renewed disinvestment efforts, or repositioning the company for focused regional operations.
In its report presented in Parliament on March 25, the 31-member panel recommended that the civil aviation ministry take a firm call on the company’s role. It suggested that Pawan Hans could be repositioned as a key helicopter operator serving the North Eastern region and improving connectivity to remote and island areas.
The committee also pointed out gaps in aviation safety oversight, calling for stronger monitoring mechanisms and stricter compliance standards. It stressed that ensuring safety must remain a priority, especially for helicopter services operating in challenging terrains and weather conditions.
Currently, the government holds a majority 51% stake in Pawan Hans, while Oil and Natural Gas Corporation owns the remaining 49%. Multiple attempts to privatize the company between 2016 and 2020 failed to materialize, and the process was eventually scrapped in 2023 after the selected bidder was disqualified due to legal issues.
