India’s aviation sector reached a historic landmark on
November 17, 2024, as domestic passenger numbers crossed 5 lakh in a single
day, with 5,05,412 passengers taking to the skies. This accomplishment, backed
by over 3,100 daily flights, highlights the phenomenal success of the UDAN (Ude
Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, an endeavor aimed at democratizing air travel.
Established on October 21, 2016, under the vision of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, UDAN was born from a simple yet powerful dream: making
air travel reachable to the common man. “A common man who travels in slippers
should also be seen in the aircraft,” the Prime Minister commented, stressing
inclusivity in India's aviation expansion.
Helmed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the UDAN scheme
has revolutionized regional connectivity, operationalizing 609 routes and
linking states and Union Territories across the country, including secluded and
underserved regions. Over seven years, the scheme has rolled out multiple
phases, each widening its impact:
- UDAN 1.0 (2017): Focused on linking underserved airports
with 128 granted routes.
- UDAN 2.0: Introduced helipad connectivity and extended
operations to underserved airports.
- UDAN 3.0: Added tourism routes, seaplanes, and improved
priority in the North-East.
- UDAN 4.0: Focused on hilly areas, islands, and
helicopters.
- UDAN 5.0: Removed distance caps, reactivated suspended
routes, and strengthened helicopter and small aircraft services.
The success of UDAN lies in its market-driven strategy.
Airlines recognize demand and bid for routes with government incentives like
Viability Gap Funding (VGF). Approval mechanisms include waivers on landing and
parking expenses, decreased VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), and discounted
navigation charges. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and State Governments
also offer operational benefits to provide affordability.
The scheme has catalyzed expansion in India’s civil aviation
industry. Regional carriers like Flybig, Star Air, and IndiaOne Air have used
UDAN to launch sustainable operations. It has also pushed demand for aircraft,
with Indian airlines placing orders for over 1,000 planes to grow fleets.
UDAN's tourism endeavors have opened up destinations like
Khajuraho, Deoghar, and Lakshadweep, strengthening local economies and creating
jobs. Improved connectivity to the Northeast, with airports like Pasighat and
Hollongi, has significantly boosted regional tourism.
Prime Minister Modi recently inaugurated three new airports
under the UDAN scheme: Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, and
Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Other airports, like Darbhanga in Bihar and Tezu
in Arunachal Pradesh, have emerged as important regional hubs under the
initiative.
UDAN is more than a government program. It is a testament to
India’s dream of inclusivity and connectivity. By making air travel inexpensive
and convenient, it has empowered millions, bridged geographical divides, and
placed India as a growing power in international aviation. As the scheme
develops, it vows to meet the aspirations of every Indian, assuring that the
sky is no longer the limit but a gateway to new possibilities. (PR)