Government to Extend UDAN Scheme for 10 More Years: Transforming India’s Aviation Landscape

In a landmark announcement on October 21, 2024, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu declared that the government will extend the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for an additional 10 years. The decision, made during a special event celebrating eight years of the scheme, reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing regional air connectivity and making air travel accessible to every citizen of India.

The UDAN scheme, launched on October 21, 2016, has been instrumental in not only boosting regional airlines but also creating thousands of jobs and significantly contributing to the growth of tourism across India. With 601 air routes and 71 operationalized airports under the scheme, UDAN has drastically improved air travel infrastructure in underserved and remote regions.

Birth and Growth of Regional Airlines Under UDAN

One of the most significant impacts of the UDAN scheme has been the growth of regional airlines, particularly in smaller cities and remote locations where air travel was previously limited or non-existent. The scheme’s emphasis on low-cost travel has allowed airlines to offer affordable airfares, thus making flying a feasible option for millions of citizens who were earlier confined to surface transport.

UDAN has provided an essential platform for regional airlines to flourish, creating opportunities in smaller markets that are not usually serviced by large commercial airlines. The enhanced connectivity between tier-2 and tier-3 cities has opened up new business opportunities, fostering economic growth and creating numerous jobs in aviation, tourism, and related industries.

The UDAN Scheme’s Journey: 2016–2024

The UDAN scheme was initially launched for a period of 10 years in 2016. Its core objectives include:

• Enhancing regional air connectivity by offering subsidies to airlines that operate flights on unserved or underserved routes.
• Boosting tourism and trade by connecting smaller cities and remote regions with major hubs.
• Making flying affordable for the common citizen by capping airfares on specific routes.

Over the past eight years, UDAN has seen remarkable growth, operationalizing more than 601 air routes and making 71 airports fully functional. This has not only bridged the accessibility gap between India’s metropolitan and non-metro areas but also revolutionized the nation’s aviation sector by reducing airfares on regional routes.

Extension for Another 10 Years

In his address, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu highlighted the success of the UDAN scheme and the reasons for extending it for another decade. He noted that UDAN has made substantial contributions to connecting the hinterlands of India to urban centers, thus boosting regional development and contributing to the overall economy. With the scheme set to expire in 2026, this extension signals a continued commitment to sustainable regional aviation growth.

Additionally, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam emphasized that while the extension is welcome, the ministry is also looking into the financial viability of the scheme, with an aim to streamline the subsidy and operational procedures. Ensuring that the scheme remains fiscally sustainable is critical to maintaining the affordability and frequency of flights across the country’s remote regions.

India’s Aviation Infrastructure: From 74 to 157 Airports

One of the most notable successes of the UDAN scheme has been the exponential increase in the number of operational airports across India. When the scheme was launched in 2016, India had only 74 airports in service. By 2024, this number has more than doubled to 157, a clear testament to UDAN’s success in boosting India’s aviation infrastructure.

This growth is a part of the broader vision to ensure that aviation infrastructure in India continues to expand, with a goal of 350-400 operational airports by 2047. This ambitious target aligns with India’s 100th year of independence, positioning the nation as a global leader in aviation connectivity and infrastructure.

Transforming India’s Aviation Sector

UDAN has been a game-changer for India’s aviation industry. By focusing on regional air connectivity and affordable flying, the scheme has not only democratized air travel but also contributed significantly to regional economic growth. Cities that were once inaccessible by air are now connected to major metropolitan hubs, encouraging trade, tourism, and investment.

In addition to its economic impact, UDAN has provided a lifeline for India’s remote and hilly regions, offering fast and reliable transport options where previously only road or rail travel was available. The scheme has also helped to integrate India’s northeastern states and smaller islands, bringing them closer to the mainland and opening up new possibilities for tourism and trade.