The Regional Air Connectivity Scheme i.e. UDAN Scheme, which was started with the aim of strengthening regional connectivity in the country, will be extended for another 10 years. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu gave this information on Monday. According to Bhasha news, on the occasion of completion of eight years of the UDAN scheme, the minister said that the UDAN scheme gave an opportunity to regional aviation companies to come into existence and develop. Besides, employment was created and tourism got a boost.
71 airports were opened
According to the news, 601 routes and 71 airports were started under the regional air connectivity scheme. UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) aims to increase regional air connectivity and make air travel more affordable. It was started by the Modi government on 21 October 2016 for 10 years. The minister said that this scheme will be extended for the next 10 years. Civil Aviation Secretary Wumlunmang Wualnam said the ministry is looking at financial feasibility aspects and streamlining procedures under the scheme.
Modi said- Udaan changed India’s aviation sector
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the government’s UDAN scheme, which aims to connect smaller cities with air travel and make flying more affordable, has transformed India’s aviation sector. Speaking on the eighth anniversary of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, he said it has led to an increase in the number of airports and air routes, thereby ensuring that crores of people have access to flying facilities.
Number of airports will increase to 157 in 2024
The ministry said in a release that a total of 86 airports, including 71 airports, 13 heliports and two water aerodromes, have started operating. This has provided travel facility to more than 1.44 crore people in more than 2.8 lakh flights. At the same time, the number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. The government aims to start 350-400 airports by 2047.
