UDAN Scheme Completes Nine Years, Connects Over 1.56 Crore Passengers Across India

The Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) regional connectivity scheme has marked its ninth anniversary, having transported more than 1.56 crore passengers on 3.23 lakh flights since its launch, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Tuesday.

Since 2016, 649 routes have been operationalised under UDAN, connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.

To support operators and infrastructure, the government has disbursed over ₹4,300 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and invested ₹4,638 crore in airport development under regional connectivity schemes.

“UDAN has been a transformational initiative, making air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen,” said Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha. He noted that the first UDAN flight, launched between Shimla and Delhi in April 2017 by PM Narendra Modi, heralded a new era in regional aviation.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to expand UDAN beyond April 2027, focusing on hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions, and aims to develop around 120 new destinations.

Recent initiatives include the Comprehensive Guidelines for Seaplane Operations (August 2024) and the launch of UDAN 5.5, a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters, under which 150 routes connecting 30 water aerodromes have received Letters of Intent.

The Ministry emphasized that UDAN is more than a scheme—it is a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable aviation growth, strengthening India’s regional connectivity and economic development.