SYLLABUS

GS 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Context: Recently, the Civil Aviation Minister informed the Lok Sabha that the government is strengthening air connectivity under the UDAN scheme while planning to enhance passenger amenities across operational routes.

More on the News

• Union Finance Minister in her budget speech for 2025–26 announced that the UDAN Scheme would be modified to connect 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers over the next ten years. The scheme is currently at the approval stage.
• As of November 30, a total of 651 routes have been operationalised under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS–UDAN) scheme, connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes and Uttar Pradesh alone has 87 routes linking 12 airports that are operational.
• An unserved airport is one that currently has no scheduled commercial flight operations.
• An underserved airport is one that has some flight activity, but the frequency is considered very low for the region's needs.
• Ministry informed that under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, developers must identify a site, conduct a pre-feasibility study, and seek Central Government approval for new airports.
  • Greenfield airports are built from scratch on undeveloped land, with a focus on minimising environmental impact during construction and operation.
• Under the Greenfield Airportspolicy 2008, the Government of India has granted in-principle approval to 24 greenfield airports across the country, of which 13 have already been operationalised.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensures compliance through a robust oversight mechanism that includes regular surveillance, spot checks and audits.
• DGCA is a statutory body under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020, that is responsible for the regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for the enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards. 

About UDAN

• UDAN Scheme was launched on 21st October 2016, and the first UDAN flight operated between Shimla and Delhi on 27th April 2017.
• The UDAN scheme was conceptualised under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, with a 10-year vision, to connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
  • The NCAP 2016 was India's first integrated aviation policy, launched to make flying affordable, boost regional connectivity.
• Objectives & Significance of UDAN Scheme
  • Enhances regional air connectivity by operationalising unserved and underserved airports across India.
  • Makes air travel affordable through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and operational cost concessions.
  • Promotes tourism and boosts local economies, leading to balanced regional development.
  • Encourages private participation in aviation through a market-driven approach.
• The UDAN scheme has evolved through multiple versions, each expanding India's regional air connectivity scope and scale.

Versions of the UDAN scheme

• UDAN 1.0 (2017): Five airline companies were awarded 128 flight routes to 70 airports (including 36 newly made operational airports)
• UDAN 2.0 (2018): 73 underserved and unserved airports were announced, and for the first time, helipads were also connected.
• UDAN 3.0 (2019): In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Routes were included. In addition to Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes, several routes in the North-East Region came under the ambit of the scheme.
• UDAN 4.0 (2020): It gave impetus to North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands. The operation of helicopters and seaplanes incorporated.
• After the four successful versions, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the 5^th version of RCS-UDAN with numerous improvements.
  • UDAN Version 5 – 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 &5.4

Achievements of UDAN (2016-2025)

• Over 1.49 crore passengers benefited from affordable regional air travel.
• 3 lakh UDAN flights operated across the country.
• Airport network expanded from 74 (2014) to 159 (2024).
• 2024: 102 new routes launched (incl. 20 in the Northeast); 66 added in 2024-25.
• Enhanced regional trade, healthcare access, and tourism, improved air connectivity to key destinations like Khajuraho, Amritsar, Ajmer, Deoghar, and Northeast India.
• Enabled the rise of regional airlines like Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91.

Source:
DD News
DGCA
PIB
PIB