Ministry of Civil Aviation today said that the Regional Connectivity Scheme -Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) has facilitated over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh flights in nine years. UDAN scheme  was launched on 21st October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy. Under the scheme, 649 routes have been operationalized connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.  Addressing an event in New Delhi organised to mark the 9th anniversary of the scheme, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha highlighted that  UDAN  has been a transformational initiative aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen. He  reaffirmed the  government’s  commitment to continue the scheme beyond April 2027 through an Expanded UDAN Framework, focusing on connectivity with hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions, and the development of around 120 new destinations. The Ministry said that the Government has disbursed more than  four thousand and 300 crore rupees  as Viability Gap Funding to support airline operators and regional infrastructure. Besides, four thousand and 638 crore rupees were also invested in airport development under  the scheme.

The Ministry added that  the government has also  introduced  Comprehensive Guidelines for Seaplane Operations last year  and  launched  the UDAN 5.5, a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters. Under this round, Letters of Intent have been issued for 150 routes connecting 30 water aerodromes across various coastal and island regions. The Ministry said, UDAN is not just a scheme, it is a catalyst for change and a testament to India’s commitment to making air travel inclusive, sustainable and an integral part of our development journey.