The Central Government has approved the modified version of the UDAN scheme to strengthen regional air connectivity. This scheme will be applicable from the financial year 2026-27 to 2035-36 and a total of ₹ 28,840 crore will be spent on it. Its objective is to connect those areas of the country with air network where air services are limited or non-existent.
Plan to build 100 new airports
Under this scheme, the government will develop about 100 new airports across the country. About ₹ 12,159 crore will be spent for this. These airports will be built mainly in small cities and regional areas, which is expected to boost travel and economic activities there.
Support for operation of small airports
The government has also decided that to save airports with low passenger numbers from closure, financial assistance will be provided in operation and maintenance. Such airports will be provided assistance for three years, on which approximately ₹ 2,577 crore is estimated to be spent.
Helipad network for remote areas
There is also a provision in the plan to build 200 new helipads for hilly and remote areas. Approximately ₹3,661 crore will be spent on this. This will improve connectivity in areas where road and rail facilities are limited and will make access to emergency services easier.
financial assistance to airlines
The government will provide Viability Gap Funding to airlines to continue flying on loss-making routes. Under this, about ₹ 10,043 crore will be spent in the next ten years so that air services can be maintained even on low demand routes.
Promotion of indigenous aviation
Emphasis has also been laid on self-reliant India in the plan. The government is planning to purchase HAL’s Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft, which will strengthen the domestic aviation industry and make operations in difficult terrain easier.
Performance so far and future direction
Till now 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes have been operationalized under the UDAN scheme. Flights have started on more than 663 routes and more than 3.41 lakh flights have been operated. About 1.62 crore passengers have taken advantage of this scheme. The government believes that this connectivity will increase more rapidly with the revised plan.
Also read: Two days holiday on Ram Navami in UP, 26th and 27th March will be holiday, government offices will remain closed.