The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has requested a significant increase in the budgetary allocation for the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) for the financial year 2024–2025. This request is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional air connectivity across the country.
- Budgetary Increase Request: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has sought a budgetary allocation of Rs 1,500 crore for the UDAN scheme in FY25. This figure represents a 25% increase from the previous year’s allocation.
- UDAN Scheme Overview: Launched on October 21, 2016, the UDAN scheme aims to enhance air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports within India, with the vision of making air travel more affordable. This scheme is ongoing, with periodic bidding rounds to cover more destinations, stations, and routes.
- Progress and Impact: As of January 30, 2023, a total of 459 UDAN routes involving 72 airports have been operationalized. This includes nine heliports and two water aerodromes. Over 1.13 crore passengers have traveled on more than 2.16 lakh UDAN flights in the last six years, highlighting the scheme’s substantial impact on regional connectivity.
- Future Plans and Development: The government has set ambitious targets for the UDAN scheme, planning to operationalize 100 airports and 1,000 UDAN routes by 2024. This expansion is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity in India.
- Operational Airports: The number of operational airports in India has seen a significant increase over the years. Before 2014, there were only 74 operational airports in the country. This number has now risen to 147, with the upcoming inauguration of Shivamogga airport in Karnataka set to take this count to 148.
- Regional Development: Specific focus has been placed on developing airports in various states. In Uttar Pradesh, 18 airports have been identified under the UDAN scheme, with several already operationalized. Similarly, in Rajasthan and Odisha, airports have been identified and operationalized, contributing to regional development and connectivity.
- Increased Allocation in FY 2023-24: It is also important to note that in the Union Budget for FY 2023-24, the allocation for the RCS-UDAN scheme was increased to Rs. 1,244 crore, more than a two-fold increase from the budget estimates for 2022-23 and about a 15% increase from the revised estimates.
The proposed increase in the budget for FY25 underlines the Indian government’s commitment to enhancing regional air connectivity, which is crucial for the country’s socio-economic development. The expansion of the UDAN scheme is expected to facilitate easier and more affordable air travel for the general populace, thereby boosting tourism and business prospects in underserved regions of India.