📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Civil Aviation
Sarkari Yojana
India's UDAN Scheme Marks 10 Years, Serves 1.49 Crore Passengers
✍️ Telangana Today
🗓 20 Oct 2026, 04:46 PM
👁 24
The Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) celebrated its 10th anniversary, reporting that it has facilitated travel for 1.49 crore passengers across India since its launch.
The Government of India marked a decade of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing air travel to tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities. Launched in 2016, the programme provides financial incentives to airlines to operate flights on underserved routes, thereby expanding the domestic aviation network.
According to official data released on the occasion, UDAN has enabled 1.49 crore passengers to travel via its supported routes since inception. The scheme has facilitated the opening of more than 100 new airstrips and has increased flight frequencies to remote regions, contributing to regional economic growth.
Transport Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the scheme not only improves connectivity but also creates employment opportunities in aviation and ancillary sectors. The government plans to continue supporting UDAN with additional funding and policy measures to further reduce ticket prices and boost passenger volumes.
Industry analysts note that the passenger figure reflects steady demand for affordable air travel, especially in smaller cities where road and rail options are limited. The next phase of UDAN is expected to focus on integrating more airports into the network and encouraging private sector participation.
The milestone underscores the role of government‑backed schemes in shaping India's aviation landscape and aligns with broader goals of inclusive development and tourism promotion.
According to official data released on the occasion, UDAN has enabled 1.49 crore passengers to travel via its supported routes since inception. The scheme has facilitated the opening of more than 100 new airstrips and has increased flight frequencies to remote regions, contributing to regional economic growth.
Transport Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the scheme not only improves connectivity but also creates employment opportunities in aviation and ancillary sectors. The government plans to continue supporting UDAN with additional funding and policy measures to further reduce ticket prices and boost passenger volumes.
Industry analysts note that the passenger figure reflects steady demand for affordable air travel, especially in smaller cities where road and rail options are limited. The next phase of UDAN is expected to focus on integrating more airports into the network and encouraging private sector participation.
The milestone underscores the role of government‑backed schemes in shaping India's aviation landscape and aligns with broader goals of inclusive development and tourism promotion.