Wed Oct 23 04:58:06 UTC 2024: The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, launched eight years ago, has successfully operationalized 601 routes and 71 airports. The scheme aims to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel more affordable. Key points include:
– A total of 601 routes, including helicopter routes, are operational, with 28% serving remote areas.
– The scheme has made 86 aerodromes functional, comprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes, facilitating over 1.44 crore passengers across 2.8 lakh flights.
– The number of operational airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with a target to reach 350-400 by 2047.
– The UDAN scheme was introduced on October 21, 2016.
First Piper 