The Indian aviation sector has experienced a remarkable shift under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) initiative. The number of functional airports in the nation has surged from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with a target of reaching 350-400 by 2047, according to the government’s announcement on Sunday.
In the last decade, the number of domestic air travelers has more than doubled, and Indian airlines have significantly expanded their fleet sizes.
Led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), UDAN aims to improve regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports throughout India, making air travel affordable for the general public.
As the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, which was introduced in 2016, nears its 8th anniversary, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Asangba Chuba Ao, emphasized its remarkable advancements on Sunday. He pointed out that the scheme has aided approximately 1.44 crore individuals, with 601 operational routes to this day.
To commemorate the milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for new airports in Varanasi. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, initiated on October 21, 2016, strives to make air travel both affordable and accessible for the average citizen.
“When reflecting on the progress of UDAN, it is noteworthy that around 1.44 crore individuals have flown under the RCS to date, which is an impressive figure by any standard. To date, 601 routes have been operated under this scheme,” stated the Joint Secretary.
“The UDAN scheme will celebrate its 8th anniversary tomorrow, October 21. The UDAN scheme was initiated in 2016… We commemorate 8 years of the UDAN scheme dedicated to serving the nation,” he remarked.
PM laid the foundation stones for new airports under the UDAN scheme.
Chuba Ao further highlighted that Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple airports in Varanasi, including those in Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur, as part of the UDAN initiative.
“Additionally, the other initiatives for which the foundation stones are being laid – in Agra, Darbhanga, Bagdogra, and Varanasi; the Agra and Darbhanga airports commenced operations with UDAN flights,” he mentioned.
During his brief visit to his home constituency of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects amounting to Rs 6,100 crore. These projects encompass several airport infrastructure developments along with various growth initiatives within Varanasi.
Promoting Tourism
RCS-UDAN is not merely focused on providing last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it is also a significant player in the rapidly growing tourism sector. Programs like UDAN 3.0 have launched tourism routes linking various destinations in the Northeast region, while UDAN 5.1 emphasizes the expansion of helicopter services in mountainous areas to foster tourism, hospitality, and local economic development.
Prominent locations such as Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer) have become increasingly accessible, serving the needs of the religious tourism sector. Additionally, the establishment of airports in Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu has driven growth in the Northeast’s tourism sector. Significantly, Agatti Island has also been added to the Indian aviation network, boosting tourism in Lakshadweep.
Creating a Difference for the Common Citizen
The Indian aviation sector has experienced a remarkable evolution thanks to the UDAN scheme. A total of 601 routes, including those for helicopters, have been activated, effectively linking various states and Union Territories. Impressively, nearly 28% of these routes target the most remote areas, improving access across difficult landscapes.
The count of functional airports in the nation has surged from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with plans to increase this figure to 350-400 by 2047. The number of domestic air travelers has more than doubled over the last decade, as Indian airlines have significantly broadened their fleets.
In total, 86 aerodromes—consisting of 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes—have been activated, enabling the transit of over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights. Since its launch, fixed-wing operations have cumulatively traversed about 112 crore kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to circling the globe around 28,000 times.
Conclusion: A Testament to Inclusivity
UDAN transcends being merely a scheme; it represents a movement dedicated to empowering every Indian with the opportunity to fly. By improving regional connectivity and ensuring affordability, it has realized the dreams of countless individuals while driving economic growth and job opportunities. As UDAN progresses, it promises to reshape India’s aviation landscape, ensuring that the sky genuinely becomes everyone’s limit. With its unwavering commitment to linking underserved areas and fostering tourism, the UDAN scheme stands as a transformative force for Indian aviation, significantly contributing to India’s vision of a connected and thriving nation.
For all aviation-related guidance (DGCA ground classes, pilot training, cabin crew training)
Contact us https://contrail.in/
phone numbers +91 78457 69399