Budget 2025: UDAN Scheme To Expand Regional Air Connectivity With 120 New Destinations

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 16-04-2025 at 12:35 PM

The Indian government now extends the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme into a broader operation with the aspiration to boost regional aviation connexions. In Union Budget 2025-26 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that 120 new locations would be incorporated into the modified UDAN scheme to serve an estimated four crore passengers during the subsequent ten years.

Enterprises will achieve higher rates of hilly and aspirational and northeastern district air travel under this initiative together with new greenfield airport development in Bihar to fulfil its developing aviation demand.

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Key Highlights Of The UDAN Expansion

Feature	Details
New Destinations	120 additional destinations to be connected
Passenger Impact	Four crore additional travellers over 10 years
Support for Regional Areas	Helipads and small airports in hilly and Northeast regions
Greenfield Airports	Planned development in Bihar
Launch Year of UDAN	2016
Operational Routes (till 2024)	619 routes, 88 airports, 2 water aerodromes, and 13 heliports

The expansion aligns with India's ambition to become the fastest-growing aviation market globally, ensuring affordable air travel for millions.

What Is The UDAN Scheme?

The UDAN scheme originated in 2016 to establish a regional connectivity strategy which offers affordable air travel opportunities to the public masses. The government supports regional flight operators through financial incentives that maintain cost-friendly flights and better connection options.

Achievements of the UDAN Scheme (2016-2024)

Over 1.4 crore passengers have benefitted.
619 air routes operationalised across India.
The aviation sector has been connected by 88 airports two water aerodromes and 13 heliports.
Improved connectivity in remote and underdeveloped areas.

According to the Economic Survey 2024-25 enhanced air connectivity through UDAN has strongly increased the number of people travelling by air in the regions.

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Future Of Indian Aviation & Government Investments

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing a major expansion phase that requires substantial investments in airport facilities.

Major Advancements Have Occurred Within the Aviation Industry

Current air travel demand warrants new aircraft purchases exceeding 1,700 units from Indian airlines.
The capital expenditure investments of ₹91,000 crore by Airport operators such as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) between FY20 to FY25 reached 91% of their target by November 2024.

Indian aviation leadership positions will receive additional support through the growth of the UDAN scheme and simultaneous new aircraft orders and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The new UDAN layout represents an important development to enhance Indian air connexions. A combination of creating new 120 airline routes with helipad and small airport growth and greenfield airport development in Bihar aims to lower air transportation costs while expanding accessibility to all. The increased aviation infrastructure investments together with this expansion will accelerate economic development and spur tourism within the sector to serve remote communities for sustainable sector growth in India.

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