New Delhi, October 22 (IANS). Giving information, the Civil Aviation Ministry said that the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme facilitated more than 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh UDAN flights in nine years.
Under this scheme, 649 routes have been launched, connecting 93 unused and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.
Meanwhile, the government has disbursed over Rs 4,300 crore as VGF to support airline operators and regional infrastructure 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha said that UDAN, launched on October 21, 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, has been a transformative initiative, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen.
He further said that the first flight launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017 between Shimla and Delhi ushered in a new era in regional aviation connectivity.
Sinha reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continue the scheme beyond April 2027 through an expanded UDAN framework, which will focus on connectivity with hilly, north-eastern and aspirational regions and development of around 120 new destinations.
According to the ministry, a major initiative taken recently is 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 in various coastal and island areas.
According to the ministry, UDAN is not just a scheme; It is a catalyst of change and a testament to India’s commitment to making air travel inclusive, sustainable and an integral part of our development journey.
–IANS
SKT/
