The Rise of Regional Aviation in India: The UDAN Story

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as of 2016, only 76 out of the total 450 airstrips and airports in India were operational, highlighting the underutilization of infrastructure. This lack of connectivity limits economic development and accessibility for residents in these areas. 

Compared to a mature aviation market such as the USA where there are 3 seats per head of population in the domestic market, India remains a long way behind still, with just 0.13 seats per head of population. It is also considerably behind China which is approaching 0.5 seats per head of population.

The UDAN scheme aims to address this issue by operationalizing 75 additional airports and increasing air connectivity across 30 States/UTs, thus promoting equitable access and economic growth.

Introduction of UDAN

Over the last six years, UDAN has transformed the country's aviation sector and boosted tourism, especially in remote areas. A total of 75 airports have been operationalized under UDAN, including 8 in the northeast region. The scheme has also fostered the growth of new airlines such as FlyBig, StarAir, IndiaOne, ZoomAir, and Fly91. UDAN connects 30 States/UTs across the country.

UDAN's Objectives

1. Enhance Regional Connectivity: Improve regional connectivity through financial support and infrastructure development.
2. Economic Sustainability: Develop new routes to stimulate the aviation sector and contribute to the country's economy.
3. Increase Affordability: Make flying accessible to the masses by providing affordable travel options.

Evolution of UDAN

UDAN started with its inaugural flight on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. Over the years, it has evolved through various phases:

1. UDAN 1.0: Formulation and introduction of the regional connectivity scheme.
2. UDAN 2.0: Emphasis on helicopter operations and priority areas.
3. UDAN 3.0: Inclusion of seaplanes and sponsored routes.
4. UDAN 4.0: Incentivizing short routes and focusing on already developed airports.
5. UDAN 5.0: Boosting connectivity in northeastern regions, hilly states, and islands.

UDAN offers affordable fares on various regional routes. Just look at the below table for fares which can be booked on 

Conclusion

UDAN has significantly improved air connectivity in India, making air travel more accessible and affordable. By addressing the gaps in air connectivity, UDAN is helping to bridge the divide and bring economic benefits to underserved regions. As the scheme continues to evolve, it holds the promise of further transforming India's aviation landscape.

Jai Hind!