Context:

  • As per the budget released by the Finance Minister it is noted that the Udan will receive ₹502 crore in FY25, lower than the revised estimate of ₹850 crore for FY24 and the initial estimate of ₹1,244 crore.
  • The allocated amount will be spent to revive 22 airports, start 124 air routes, and finance viability gap funding for north-east connectivity.

About UDAN scheme:

  • Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik which is known as UDAN is a regional airport development program of the Government of India.
  • The scheme is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of upgrading under-serviced air routes.
  • The main goal of the scheme is to make air travel affordable and improve economic development in India.
  • It is intended to provide air connectivity to common man at affordable airfare and connecting unserved and underserved destinations by encouraging airlines to operate flights on regional and remote routes through enabling policies and extending incentives / concessions.
  • The UDAN Scheme is a key component of the Prime Minister’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP).
  • NCAP was released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (India) on 15 June 2016.
  • The UDAN scheme will be jointly funded by the central government and state governments.
  • During the past six years, RCS-UDAN has played a pivotal role in facilitating the travel of more than 1.3 crore passengers which signifies its success in enhancing air travel accessibility, especially in remote and underserved regions.
  • A total of 499 UDAN routes have been operationalized, connecting previously overlooked areas and contributing to the overall growth of the civil aviation industry in the country.