UDAN Scheme Takes Flight with 73 Operational Airports
VGF of Rs. 2355 crore has been released to Selected Airline Operators for the operation of UDAN flights
Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, UdeDeshkaAamNagrik (UDAN), a total of 73 airports have been operationalized as of January 31, 2023. This includes 9 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. The scheme, which aims to increase regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible, was launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in October 2016.
UDAN is a self-financing initiative that uses market forces to determine which routes will be serviced. Airlines interested in participating in the scheme submit proposals based on their assessment of demand on specific routes. A total of around Rs. 2355 crore has been released to selected airline operators for the operation of UDAN flights.
The government has also approved the "Revival of Unserved and Under-Served Airports" scheme, which aims to revive and develop 100 unserved and under-served airports, helipads, and water aerodromes by 2024. Under UDAN, the airports in Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, and Pathankot in the state of Punjab have been identified for operation of flights, with operations already underway by selected airline operators.
UDAN is an ongoing scheme and bidding rounds are conducted regularly to bring more destinations and routes under the initiative. The government's efforts to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible to the masses are commendable and are sure to contribute to the country's economic growth and development.
