Why UDAN 2.0 is a Big Leap for India
UDAN 2.0: Taking India’s Common Citizen Closer to the Skies: Air travel in India is transforming from a luxury into a basic right of connectivity. The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, was India’s first attempt to make flying affordable and accessible to small towns and remote areas. With UDAN 2.0 in 2025, the government now plans to scale this effort, making it easier for citizens in far-flung regions to access air travel — especially as India moves toward its 100th year of independence in 2047.
From 74 to 157 Airports — and Now 400 by 2047
Back in 2014, India had only 74 functional airports. Today, it has 157. This rise owes much to the original UDAN scheme, which connected cities like Dibrugarh, Jharsuguda, and Hubli with air routes. UDAN 2.0 takes it further — by aiming to revive old airstrips, build low-cost infrastructure, and increase the number of operational airports to 350–400 by 2047. The scheme also promotes intra-state flights, enabling easier travel within states and not just between big metros.
Budget, Boost, and Business: Government’s Role
In 2024, the Centre allocated ₹502 crore to UDAN. For 2025, this figure is expected to grow, especially as small airports need ₹7–10 crore per year to stay operational. The scheme relies on Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to help airlines run otherwise unprofitable routes. The Union Budget 2025, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is expected to focus on expanding air infrastructure, especially in tribal, hilly, and border regions.
UDAN 2.0: From Helipads to Water Aerodromes
Beyond conventional airports, UDAN 2.0 targets Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Northeast and border areas, helipads in hill regions, and water aerodromes in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Old airstrips from defence days will be upgraded for civil use. This isn’t just about air travel — it’s about boosting tourism, emergency response, and business in previously isolated parts of India.
Real Impact: From Darbhanga to Shivamogga
Thanks to UDAN, cities like Darbhanga in Bihar and Shivamogga in Karnataka have already witnessed better connectivity, leading to growth in trade and tourism. Imagine a student in Arunachal Pradesh flying to Delhi in hours, or a small trader in Bhuj accessing Mumbai markets directly. UDAN is not just moving planes — it’s moving dreams.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Topic | Fact |
| UDAN Full Form | Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik |
| Launched | 2016 |
| UDAN 2.0 Focus | Regional connectivity, airstrips revival, small-town air routes |
| Operational Airports (2024) | 157 (up from 74 in 2014) |
| Target by 2047 | 350–400 airports |
| Budget 2024–25 (Expected) | More than ₹502 crore |
| Passengers Served | Over 1.44 crore |
| Total Routes Covered | 601 (including heli and sea routes) |
| Cost to Run Small Airport | ₹7–10 crore per year |
| VGF | Viability Gap Funding from Centre and States |
| Special Areas Covered | ALGs in NE, Water aerodromes, Tribal Helipads |
