UDAN Skyward: Expanding India's Regional Air Connectivity for a Decade

The Indian government's UDAN scheme, aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and affordability, will be extended for another decade. Announced by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the scheme has facilitated over 1.44 crore passengers and operationalized 86 aerodromes, significantly boosting regional airlines and tourism.

The Indian government will extend the UDAN scheme, which targets the enhancement of regional air connectivity, for an additional 10 years. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced this decision on Monday during a ceremony in the national capital marking the scheme's eighth anniversary.

UDAN, which stands for 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik', was launched on October 21, 2016, to make flying more accessible and affordable across India's regions. Since its inception, it has contributed to the growth of regional airlines, generated jobs, and boosted tourism, the minister noted.

To date, 601 routes and 71 airports have been activated under the initiative, involving 86 aerodromes. According to the ministry, this has enabled travel for over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights. With India's count of operational airports doubling in a decade, there is a vision to reach 350-400 airports by 2047.

(With inputs from agencies.)