New Delhi: The government has announced that the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) will continue beyond April 2027, building on its success in linking remote and underserved regions across the country.
Launched on October 21, 2016, the scheme has helped operationalise 649 routes connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. The first UDAN flight was operated between Shimla and Delhi on April 27, 2017.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, “Under the scheme, 649 routes have been operationalised connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, facilitating over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh UDAN flights.”
So far, more than Rs 4,300 crore has been disbursed to airlines as Viability Gap Funding (VGF), and Rs 4,638 crore has been invested in airport development under the scheme. These investments have helped expand aviation access to smaller towns and regions, making air travel more affordable and accessible to citizens.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the programme, stating that the scheme will be continued beyond April 2027 through an expanded UDAN Framework. The new phase will focus on enhancing connectivity in hilly, North Eastern, and aspirational regions, and on developing around 120 new destinations.
Over nine years, UDAN has evolved from a regional initiative into a nationwide connectivity driver, bridging remote communities with the mainstream air network and supporting economic and social inclusion through accessible aviation.
BI Bureau
