The Government of India is taking a significant leap in regional aviation with the launch of UDAN 2.0, a scheme designed to bolster last-mile air connectivity. Building upon the success of the original UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, this new initiative aims to operationalize over 100 underutilized airstrips across the country, ensuring affordable and accessible air travel for millions.
Expanding the Legacy of UDAN
Achievements of the Original UDAN Scheme
Since its inception, the original Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme has transformed regional air travel in India by making it both affordable and widespread.
- 86 aerodromes operationalized, including 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes.
- Over 1.44 crore passengers have traveled on 2.8 lakh flights, connecting underserved and unserved regions.
- The scheme has boosted connectivity and supported economic growth in smaller cities and remote areas.
UDAN is set to continue until 2026, with UDAN 2.0 extending the program and addressing the challenges of expanding regional air travel.
Key Features of UDAN 2.0
Targeting Underused Airstrips
The draft for UDAN 2.0 identifies over 100 airstrips with potential based on factors such as:
- Proximity to population hubs, industries, and tourism attractions.
- An assessment of viability for sustained flight operations.
This approach ensures that resources are directed where they can deliver maximum impact.
Reducing Operational Costs
Regional airports currently incur annual operational costs ranging between ₹7 and ₹10 crore, making them financially challenging. UDAN 2.0 aims to:
- Deploy technological solutions to lower costs.
- Enhance efficiency to make regional airports more sustainable.
Simplifying Regulations
To ease operations for airlines, UDAN 2.0 simplifies regulations and guidelines, particularly for seaplanes and other niche air services. Reduced infrastructure requirements are expected to encourage flights to smaller cities and remote areas.
Encouraging New Market Players
The revised scheme offers incentives to:
- Attract helicopter and light aircraft operators.
- Lower entry barriers for new players in the aviation market.
With these measures, UDAN 2.0 seeks to further expand India’s aviation network, which has grown from 74 operational airports in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with an ambitious target of 350-400 operational airports by 2047.
Key Innovations and Benefits
Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
The Viability Gap Funding mechanism continues to play a critical role in the success of the scheme.
- VGF provides financial support to airlines operating in underserved areas.
- It is backed by contributions from the government and airport operators, making routes more attractive for airlines.
Water Aerodromes
UDAN 2.0 also focuses on enhancing connectivity through water aerodromes, or landing zones on water bodies.
- India already has two operational water aerodromes, enabling seaplane services and boosting tourism and regional connectivity.
Last-Mile Connectivity
The scheme prioritizes last-mile connectivity, the final leg of a traveler’s journey from an airport to their destination. By improving regional air travel, UDAN 2.0 bridges crucial gaps in India’s transportation infrastructure.
A Vision for the Future
UDAN 2.0 is more than just an extension of its predecessor. It is a bold vision to transform India’s regional aviation landscape, promoting economic growth and social inclusion. With a focus on affordable travel, efficient operations, and sustainable practices, the scheme is poised to make air travel a common reality for millions in India’s smaller towns and remote regions.
As India marches toward its goal of 400 operational airports by 2047, UDAN 2.0 will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s aviation future.