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UDAN at 9: How India's Regional Aviation Scheme Transformed Air Travel

The Ministry of Civil Aviation just celebrated nine successful years of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. This transformative initiative has made air travel affordable for millions of Indians across the country. With 649 routes now operational, the scheme has connected previously underserved regions through extensive government funding. Looking ahead, the program will expand to 120 new destinations with special focus on hilly and northeastern regions.

Key Points: MoCA Celebrates 9th Anniversary of UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme

  • 649 operational routes connecting 93 underserved airports and heliports
  • Over 1.56 crore passengers served through 3.23 lakh UDAN flights
  • Government disbursed Rs 4,300 crore as Viability Gap Funding
  • New seaplane guidelines and UDAN 5.5 launched for coastal connectivity
2 min read

MoCA celebrates 9th UDAN Anniversary

India's UDAN scheme marks 9 years, connecting 93 airports, serving 1.56 crore passengers with Rs 4,300 crore VGF support and expanding to 120 new destinations.

"UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a catalyst for change - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, October 21

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is celebrating the 9th anniversary of the Regional Connectivity Scheme - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik). The main celebration was held in New Delhi, chaired by the Secretary (Civil Aviation) and attended by the Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Members, AAI and other senior officers of the Ministry, according to a release.

In his address, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted that the UDAN, launched on 21st October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, has been a transformational initiative aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen. The first UDAN flight, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 27th April 2017 between Shimla and Delhi, marked a new era in regional aviation connectivity.

Under the scheme, 649 routes have been operationalised connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, facilitating over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh UDAN flights. To support airline operators and regional infrastructure, the Government has disbursed more than Rs. 4,300 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and invested Rs. 4,638 crore in airport development under RCS.

A key recent initiative has been the introduction of Comprehensive Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in August 2024, and the launch of UDAN 5.5, a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters. Under this round, Letters of Intent have been issued for 150 routes connecting 30 water aerodromes across various coastal and island regions.

The Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to continue the scheme beyond April 2027 through an Expanded UDAN Framework, focusing on connectivity with hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions, and the development of around 120 new destinations.

The UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a catalyst for change and a testament to India's commitment to making air travel inclusive, sustainable and an integral part of our development journey.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
1.56 crore passengers! That's incredible impact. But I hope they improve the frequency on some routes. The flights from my city to the Northeast are still very limited despite being operational for 2 years.
A
Arjun K
Seaplane operations sound exciting! Can't wait to see this implemented in coastal areas like Goa and Andamans. This could revolutionize tourism and connectivity in island regions. Well done MoCA! 🛩️
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Sarah B
The numbers are impressive but I'm concerned about the subsidy burden. Over ₹4,300 crore in VGF is substantial taxpayer money. Hope there's proper audit and accountability for these funds.
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Vikram M
Connectivity to North-East and hilly regions is much needed. My business requires frequent travel to Guwahati and the UDAN flights have made it so much easier and affordable. Jai Hind! 🙏
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Kavya N
👍 Great initiative! However, I wish they'd focus more on improving airport infrastructure at these smaller destinations. Some of the regional airports still lack basic amenities.
M
Michael C
As an expat working in India, I've seen how UDAN has connected remote areas. The expansion to 120

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