UDAN revolutionises regional connectivity — 1.56 crore passengers, 3.23 lakh flights
India’s aviation sector is reaching new heights as the country charts a visionary path towards Viksit Bharat @2047. With the successful completion of nine years of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, regional connectivity has taken flight — transforming air travel from a privilege into an accessible reality for millions.
India’s Aviation Boom: A Decade of Growth
India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world. The number of operational airports has more than doubled — from 74 in 2014 to 163 in 2025, with a target of 350–400 airports by 2047.
The sector now supports over 7.7 million jobs, including 3.69 lakh directly, and contributes significantly to tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and trade. Passenger traffic has grown 10–12% annually, and by 2040 it is projected to rise six-fold to reach 1.1 billion passengers.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), every rupee spent in the aviation sector generates over three times that value in economic activity, underlining its crucial role in India’s economic growth.
UDAN: Democratizing Air Travel
Launched in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has reshaped India’s regional connectivity landscape. Over 649 routes have been operationalised, connecting 93 aerodromes, including 12 in the Northeast and 2 water aerodromes.
More than 1.56 crore passengers have travelled on 3.23 lakh RCS-UDAN flights, supported by ₹4,300 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to ensure commercial viability for airlines.
Destinations once considered remote — such as Kullu, Darbhanga, Hubballi, and Shillong — are now easily accessible, giving a boost to local economies and regional tourism.
The scheme’s next phase aims to connect 120 new destinations and serve 4 crore passengers over the next decade, with a special focus on hilly, aspirational, and northeastern regions.
Also Read: NHAI to Deploy Network Survey Vehicles Across 23 States for Over 20,000 km of National Highways
Innovation and Inclusion in the Skies
India’s aviation sector is not just expanding — it’s evolving.
Key initiatives shaping this transformation include:
- Digi Yatra – enabling paperless, contactless travel using facial recognition, adopted by over 52.2 million passengers by March 2025.
- Krishi UDAN – supporting farmers and agri-exporters by providing 50% freight subsidy for perishable produce, especially in tribal and northeastern states.
- Lifeline UDAN – ensuring the movement of essential medical supplies during the COVID-19 lockdown, operating 588 flights and carrying over 1,000 tonnes of cargo.
- Greenfield Airports Policy – fostering new airport development under PPP models to decongest metros.
- Drone Rules 2021 and PLI Scheme – boosting domestic manufacturing and drone innovation with ₹34.79 crore disbursed in FY 2024–25.
- Flight Training and Gender Inclusion – expanding pilot training infrastructure with a target of 25% women representation in aviation roles by 2025.
- Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 – modernising aviation governance in line with global standards, replacing the 1934 Aircraft Act.
A Vision for 2047
As India approaches 100 years of independence, the aviation sector is poised to become a core pillar of a $10 trillion economy.
With 25 million jobs projected by 2047, cleaner fuels, digital airways, and advanced regional networks, India’s aviation growth will represent both economic strength and social inclusivity.
From connecting distant regions to empowering local economies, India’s aviation journey embodies progress, innovation, and inclusivity.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its centenary of independence, the vision for Aviation@2047 is clear — a sky that belongs to every citizen, driving India’s ascent towards becoming a truly developed nation.
References:
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