Weather forecast (nowcast) continues to be a challenge in providing accurate forecast for aviation sector. In order to contribute towards the safety, economy, regularity and efficiency of global air navigation, National Meteorological Services throughout the world make meteorological observations and forecasts through establishment of sustained monitoring and warning systems in their respective countries, as per the standards and guidelines provided by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the  national agency in India, which is responsible in all the matters related to Aviation Meteorological services. Aviation services are provided for National and International flights for safe and efficient operations in terms of take off, landing and en-route forecasts. These services are provided through a network of Meteorological Watch Offices (MWOs) in four international airports at Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi and 68 other aviation meteorological offices.  The aviation meteorological offices provide airport specific current weather reports, forecasts and warnings for safety, economy and efficiency of aircraft operations. In view of this there is a continuous need to upgrade and augment instrumentation through state of art observing systems, establishment of decision support systems in tune with the pace of the modernization of various airports throughout the country in a phased manner.

a). Objectives:

1. Up gradation of Airport Meteorological Instruments (AMIs) at runway locations for the major airports.
2. Aviation Weather Decision Support System (AWDSS) for four metro airports.
3. Implementation of Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR).

b). Participating Institutions:

India Meteorological Department, New Delhi

c). Implementation Plan:

1. Upgradation of 42 airports to be carried over from 2011-12 to be accomplished.
2. 50 new airports are likely to be commissioned/operationalized during the period of 12th FYP. These 50 airports will require 50 additional Aerodrome Meteorological Offices.  A multi-observational facility will be set up at each airport monitoring meteorological parameters relevant to aviation safety which shall be processed automatically for assessment of hazardous conditions.

d). Deliverables:

Improved Aviation support services in major airports of India by the end of XII FYP.

e). Budget requirement

including foreign exchange component : 200.00 Crore

(Rs. In crores)