Government to Extend UDAN Scheme for Additional 10 Years

The Indian government has announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which focuses on improving regional air connectivity, for an additional 10 years. This announcement was made by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu during a celebration marking eight years of the UDAN scheme in the national capital. Initially launched on October 21, 2016, for a 10-year period, the extension reflects the scheme's success in enhancing affordable air travel and boosting regional connectivity.

So far, 601 routes have been operationalized under the scheme, with 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes contributing to the growth of regional airlines, job creation, and tourism. More than 1.44 crore passengers have flown across 2.8 lakh flights facilitated by the scheme.

Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam stated that the ministry is currently reviewing the financial viability and working on streamlining procedures to ensure the success of UDAN in its extended phase. Over the past decade, the number of operational airports in India has increased significantly, from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with a target of expanding this number to 350-400 by 2047. The scheme plays a pivotal role in this expansion and continues to make flying more accessible to the general public.