UDAN Boosts Northern Assam's Lilabari Airport Connectivity and Growth

The UDAN scheme propels growth at Lilabari Airport in Northern Assam, increasing passenger traffic and enhancing infrastructure. The scheme facilitates affordable travel, boosts tourism, and fosters economic development by improving under-utilized airports. The initiative targets regional connectivity to fulfill aspirations of smaller towns and spur economic activities.

The UDAN scheme has significantly transformed Lilabari Airport in Northern Assam, bolstering regional connectivity and economic growth. The airport, located in Lakhimpur district, has seen substantial benefits following the scheme's implementation, with infrastructure enhancements progressing steadily.

Vijender Yadav, the Airport Manager and ATC In-charge, reported a notable rise in passenger numbers, with a jump to 39,000 passengers handled this year, up from 33,000 last year. This increase, coupled with over 1,100 flights, underscores the scheme's role in fostering economic development and tourism by making air travel more accessible to smaller towns like Lilabari.

The UDAN scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in October 2016, is designed to improve air connectivity in tier II and III cities through the development of unserved and underserved airports. With an ambitious target to revitalise 100 such airports by 2024, the scheme has already allocated a viability gap funding of Rs 2,355 crore to ensure its self-financing model supports continued regional growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)