MoCA Marks 9th UDAN Anniversary, Highlights Growth in Regional Air Connectivity
UDAN Connects 93 Airports with 649 Routes, Serving Over 1.56 Crore Passengers
The Impressive TimesNew Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) celebrated the 9th anniversary of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) on 21st October 2025. The celebration in New Delhi was chaired by the Secretary of Civil Aviation, with participation from the Chairman and Members of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and senior officials from the Ministry.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted UDAN’s transformational impact since its launch on 21st October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy. The first UDAN flight, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27th April 2017 between Shimla and Delhi, marked a significant milestone in making air travel affordable and accessible for the common citizen.
Under the scheme, 649 routes have been operationalized, connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. More than 1.56 crore passengers have been transported via 3.23 lakh UDAN flights. The government has provided over Rs. 4,300 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support airline operators, alongside Rs. 4,638 crore invested in airport development under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Recent initiatives include the Comprehensive Guidelines for Seaplane Operations introduced in August 2024 and the UDAN 5.5 bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters. Letters of Intent have already been issued for 150 routes connecting 30 water aerodromes across coastal and island regions.
The Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continue UDAN beyond April 2027 through an Expanded Framework. This will focus on enhancing connectivity in hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions, while developing around 120 new destinations.
UDAN has become a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable regional air connectivity, reflecting India’s commitment to making air travel accessible to all citizens and strengthening the nation’s overall transportation network.
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