Latest News (2025)
-
Revamped UDAN Initiative: Plans to add 120 new destinations and enable affordable air travel for 4 crore passengers over the next decade.
-
Krishi UDAN Expansion: Covers 58 airports (25 priority, 33 others) to boost agri-logistics, especially in Northeast and tribal regions.
-
Seaplane Operations: Guidelines released (August 2024) for 50+ water bodies to enhance multimodal connectivity.
-
Airport Infrastructure: Commitment to develop 50 new airports in 5 years, including greenfield airports in Bihar and expansion of Patna Airport.
Overview
-
Launch: 21 October 2016; first flight on Shimla–Delhi route (27 April 2017).
-
Objective: Democratize air travel, focusing on Tier-2/3 cities and remote regions.
-
Key Achievements (2016–2025):
-
625 operational routes connecting 90 airports (15 heliports, 2 water aerodromes).
-
1.49 crore passengers benefited; 3 lakh flights operated.
-
Airport network expanded from 74 (2014) to 159 (2024).
-
₹4,023.37 crore disbursed as Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
-
Objectives
-
Enhance regional air connectivity to unserved/underserved airports.
-
Ensure affordable airfares through subsidies and fare caps.
-
Promote tourism, healthcare access, and regional trade.
-
Generate employment in aviation and allied sectors.
-
Strengthen socio-economic integration between rural and urban areas.
Key Components
-
Viability Gap Funding (VGF):
-
Financial support to airlines to offset operational costs.
-
-
Airfare Cap:
-
Capped fares (e.g., ₹2,500 per hour for 50% seats on RCS flights).
-
-
Stakeholder Incentives:
-
Central Govt.: 2% excise duty on ATF for 3 years.
-
State Govt.: 1% VAT on ATF for 10 years.
-
Airports: Waived landing/parking charges and reduced TNLC/RNFC fees.
-
Evolution of UDAN
| Version | Key Features |
|---|---|
| UDAN 1.0 | Launched 128 routes, 70 airports (2017). |
| UDAN 2.0 | Expanded to 73 underserved airports; included helipads (2018). |
| UDAN 3.0 | Added tourism routes, seaplane operations, and Northeast focus (2019). |
| UDAN 5.0 | Removed 600 km route cap; faster implementation (2023). |
| UDAN 5.1 | Focused on helicopter connectivity; increased VGF (2023). |
| UDAN 5.5 | Seaplane operations and rebidding for discontinued routes (2024). |
Innovations & Initiatives
-
UDAN Yatri Cafes: Affordable food outlets at airports (e.g., Kolkata, Chennai) with items like ₹10 tea.
-
Krishi UDAN: Supports farmers with air logistics for perishables; covers 58 airports.
-
Seaplane Operations: Connects water aerodromes (e.g., Guwahati Riverfront, Sabarmati River).
Future Plans
-
120 New Destinations: Targeting remote, hilly, and aspirational districts.
-
50 New Airports: Including greenfield projects in Bihar and Bihta brownfield expansion.
-
Helipad Expansion: Strengthening last-mile connectivity in Northeast and islands.
Key Takeaways
-
UDAN transformed India’s aviation landscape, making air travel accessible to 1.49 crore passengers.
-
Infrastructure growth (159 airports) and regional economic development are core achievements.
-
Future initiatives like seaplanes, Krishi UDAN, and 120 new destinations aim to deepen inclusivity.
FAQs
-
When was UDAN launched?
-
21 October 2016; first flight on 27 April 2017.
-
-
What is Viability Gap Funding (VGF)?
-
Financial support to airlines to ensure affordable fares; ₹4,023.37 crore disbursed by 2025.
-
-
How many airports are operational under UDAN?
-
90 airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.
-
-
What is Krishi UDAN?
-
A scheme to boost air logistics for agricultural produce, covering 58 airports.
-