Government to Operationalise 12 More Airports Under UDAN Scheme

The government plans to operationalize 12 additional airports across eight states and Union Territories this year under the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN. Introduced in 2016, the UDAN scheme has so far operationalized 579 routes connecting 85 airports. The minister shared that Rs 4,500 crore was allocated for Phase I of revival efforts, and Rs 1,000 crore for Phase II.

The government is set to operationalize 12 additional airports this year under the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN. This announcement includes new airports in eight states and Union Territories, covering diverse locations from Shibpur in Car Nicobar to Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh.

Since being introduced in 2016, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has successfully operationalized 579 routes connecting 85 airports, including 13 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. The scheme continues to undergo bidding rounds to expand its reach.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha that Rs 4,500 crore was committed for Phase I, and Rs 1,000 crore for Phase II, with Rs 4,073 crore already spent on the first phase as of June 2024.