Affordable Air Travel Push: Govt Approves 10 Year UDAN plan ( Udey Desh Ka Am Nagrik) Plan To Promote Regional Aviation
The Central Government has approved a revised version of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity across the country.
Under this programme, the government plans to develop 100 new airports and connect around 120 new destinations, ensuring that even remote and underserved regions are linked to the national aviation network.
The scheme will be implemented over 10 years from 2026 to 2036, with an estimated expenditure of ₹28,840 crore.
The primary objective of the initiative is to make air travel more accessible and affordable for ordinary citizens, enabling the common man to benefit from faster and more convenient transportation options.
Through this scheme, several regions that currently lack proper connectivity are expected to gain improved access, thereby opening up new opportunities for economic development, trade, tourism and employment.
Enhanced air connectivity is likely to contribute significantly to regional growth and help integrate remote areas with mainstream economic activities.
As part of the programme, the government plans to invest approximately ₹120 crore towards the development and upgradation of smaller airports.
In addition, financial assistance will be provided for up to three years to support the operation and maintenance of these airports, ensuring their sustainability during the initial stages.
The UDAN scheme is also designed to encourage airline operators to introduce services on routes that are presently considered commercially unviable.
To achieve this, the government has proposed Viability Gap Funding (VGF) worth ₹10,043 crore over the next ten years. This financial support will help airlines maintain affordable ticket prices, making air travel accessible to a wider section of society.
Recognising the need to improve connectivity in difficult terrains, the government also plans to develop 200 helipads in mountainous and remote areas that currently face accessibility challenges.
This initiative is expected to provide a major boost to tourism in hilly regions and improve connectivity for residents, emergency services, and economic activities.
It is estimated that nearly 4 crore passengers will benefit from affordable and improved air travel facilities under the revised UDAN scheme.
Overall, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s aviation infrastructure, promote balanced regional development, and integrate various parts of the country into a more cohesive national economic network.
The scheme reflects the government’s vision of inclusive growth by ensuring that air travel becomes a practical and affordable option not only for metropolitan travellers but also for citizens living in smaller towns and remote regions.
