Under the UDAN program, almost 1 crore people flew in last five years

18 Aug 2022 , 10:44 AM

According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, more than one crore passengers have flown in the past five years while taking advantage of the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s flagship program.

On October 21, 2016, the initiative was launched with the goal of achieving the goals of the average citizen by implementing the “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik” vision, with improved aviation structure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.

On April 27, 2017, the first flight under the programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Regional aviation connection in the previous five years has considerably grown thanks to UDAN.

In 2014, there were 74 active airports. As a result of the UDAN programme, this number has already reached 141. The UDAN scheme has connected 68 underserved/unserved sites, including 58 airports, 8 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes, according to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

With 425 new routes launched under the programme, UDAN has expanded air connectivity to more than 29 States and UTs throughout the nation. As of August 4, 2022, more than one crore passengers had utilised the benefits of this program.

In accordance with this plan, RCF was established to finance the scheme’s Viability Gap Funding requirements through a tax on some domestic flights. In this approach, the sector itself generates revenues to support its own growth and development.