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UDAN's 9-Year Flight: How 1.56 Crore Passengers Transformed Regional Travel

The UDAN scheme has revolutionized regional air connectivity in India over nine years. It has served over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh flights across 649 routes. The government has invested nearly ₹9,000 crore in viability funding and airport infrastructure. The scheme will continue beyond 2027 with expanded focus on hilly and northeastern regions.

Key Points: UDAN Scheme Serves 1.56 Crore Passengers via 3.23 Lakh Flights

  • Scheme operationalized 649 routes connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports
  • Government disbursed ₹4,300 crore as Viability Gap Funding support
  • ₹4,638 crore invested in airport development under regional connectivity
  • Ministry plans expanded UDAN Framework beyond 2027 with 120 new destinations
2 min read

UDAN serves over 1.56 crore passengers via 3.23 lakh flights: Govt

UDAN regional connectivity scheme transforms air travel with 1.56 crore passengers served across 649 routes. Government invests ₹8,938 crore in VGF and airport development.

"UDAN is a catalyst for change and a testament to India's commitment to making air travel inclusive - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, Oct 21

Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme has facilitated over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh UDAN flights in nine years, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Tuesday.

Under the scheme, 649 routes have been operationalised, connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, which include 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.

Meanwhile, 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 regional connectivity schemes (RCS).

The ministry is celebrating the 9th anniversary of the Regional Connectivity Scheme.

Addressing the occasion here, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted that the UDAN, launched on October 21, 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 Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017, between Shimla and Delhi, marked a new era in regional aviation connectivity, he added.

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.

According to the ministry, 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 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, the ministry noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great achievement but I hope they improve the frequency and reliability on these routes. Sometimes flights get cancelled without proper notice, causing inconvenience to passengers.
A
Arjun K
The seaplane operations are a game-changer for coastal regions! Imagine flying from Mumbai to Alibaug in minutes instead of hours by road. This will boost tourism and local economies significantly.
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Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels to Northeast India for work, I've seen firsthand how UDAN has transformed connectivity. Places that were once remote are now just a short flight away. Excellent work!
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Vikram M
While the numbers look impressive, I'm concerned about the environmental impact of so many flights. Hope the government is also investing in sustainable aviation fuel and greener technologies.
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Michael C
The Viability Gap Funding of ₹4,300 crore seems substantial. I wonder if there's proper audit and monitoring to ensure this taxpayer money is being used effectively and not wasted.
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Ananya R
Connecting 93 unserved airports is remarkable! This will help bridge the urban-rural divide and create new economic opportunities in tier 2 and 3 cities. Jai Hind! 🙏

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