New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu October 21 announced that the government will extend the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN for 10 more years, which means until 2036.
The Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and making flying more affordable was introduced on October 21, 2016, for 10 years.
At an event, the minister said it would remain operational for another 10 years.
He noted that as many as 601 routes and 71 airports have been operationalised under the regional air connectivity scheme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the scheme has transformed India’s aviation sector and led to an increase in the number of airports and air routes, ensuring that crores of people have access to flying.
“At the same time, it has had a major impact on boosting trade and commerce and furthering regional growth. In the times to come, we will keep strengthening the aviation sector and focusing on even better connectivity and comfort for the people,” he wrote on X.
Separately, a government handle on X said the UDAN scheme has facilitated over 2.8 lakh flights, enabling 1.5 crore passengers to experience affordable air travel.
At the event, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said the ministry is looking at the financial viability aspects and streamlining the procedures under the scheme.
Marking the eighth anniversary of the scheme, in a statement highlighting its key features, the aviation ministry said the first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
“UDAN operates on a market-driven model, where airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds. The scheme incentivises airlines to connect underserved regions by offering them support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and various concessions provided by airport operators, the Central Government, and State Governments,” the statement noted.
The ministry also said that the government has implemented several supportive measures to attract airlines to operate flights in less lucrative markets.
Meanwhile, states have committed to reducing VAT on ATF to 1% or less for 10 years and providing essential services such as security, fire services, and utility services at reduced rates. “This collaborative framework has fostered an environment where airlines can thrive while serving regions that have long been overlooked,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase the count to 350-400 by 2047.
From Mundra in Gujarat to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across the country. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalised under UDAN, including ten in the Northeast region and two heliports. Airports like Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, and Kannur are becoming increasingly sustainable, with many non-RCS commercial flights operating from these locations, it added.
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