Bridging India’s Sky Gap
UDAN Scheme Completes 8 Years of Success: Transforming Indian Aviation: The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, has redefined the way India flies. Short for “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik”, the scheme was designed to make air travel affordable and inclusive. With a mission to connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with metro hubs, UDAN brought flying within the reach of the common citizen. As of April 27, 2025, the scheme marks 8 successful years, covering hundreds of new routes and reshaping India’s regional air map.
How the Scheme Works: Funding, Fare Caps, and Partnerships
UDAN’s success lies in its Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model. Under this, the government compensates airlines for flying on routes that may not be commercially profitable, keeping ticket prices low for passengers. With airfare caps in place, tickets on many regional routes are often priced around ₹2,500 for an hour-long journey.
The scheme is built on collaborative governance. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plays a lead role, along with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, state governments, and private operators. From tax reductions on fuel to waivers on parking and landing charges, stakeholders have incentives to join the network.
Journey Through UDAN Phases
The first UDAN flight took off from Shimla to Delhi on April 27, 2017, under UDAN 1.0. Since then, each phase has brought major improvements:
- UDAN 2.0 (2018) expanded coverage to helipads and remote airports.
- UDAN 3.0 (2019) introduced tourism routes and seaplane operations.
- UDAN 4.0 (2020) strengthened links to hill states, islands, and the Northeast.
- In 2025, the scheme is being revamped to cover 120 new destinations, including remote regions, reaching 4 crore new passengers.
Key Innovations and Inclusivity
Initiatives like UDAN Yatri Cafes at major airports offer affordable food, making travel more welcoming. You can get tea for ₹10 and a samosa for ₹20—small steps toward inclusive travel.
The Krishi UDAN scheme supports farmers, particularly in North East and tribal areas, by enabling air transport of perishable agri-products. Seaplane services, with enhanced safety guidelines, are also connecting remote locations to economic centers.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Reach, Greener Growth
The government aims to build 50 new airports over the next five years, further expanding India’s regional aviation footprint. As more citizens experience the benefits of accessible air travel, UDAN is not just a scheme—it’s a symbol of aspirational India.
Static GK Snapshot
UDAN Scheme Completes 8 Years of Success: Transforming Indian Aviation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Full Form of UDAN | Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik |
| Launch Date | October 21, 2016 |
| First UDAN Flight | Shimla to Delhi (April 27, 2017) |
| Scheme Type | Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) |
| Implementing Authority | Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Funding Model | Viability Gap Funding (VGF) |
| Fare Cap | Approx. ₹2,500 for 1-hour journey |
| Special Initiative | Krishi UDAN for agricultural logistics |
| Total UDAN Phases (as of 2025) | 4 completed + Revamped UDAN underway |
| Future Plan | 50 new airports, 120 new destinations, 4 crore additional passengers |
