About the Scheme
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) makes air travel affordable and connects underserved airports. Launched Oct 21, 2016. First flight: Shimla-Delhi, April 27, 2017. As of Apr 2025: 625 routes; 90 airports (incl. 15 heliports, 2 water aerodromes); 1.49 crore passengers. Modified UDAN in Budget 2025-26: 120 new destinations, 4 crore more passengers over 10 years. VGF disbursed: ₹4,023 crore.
Target Beneficiaries: 1.49 crore passengers benefited; Tier 2/3 cities; NE, hilly, island, coastal regions
Key Features
- 625 routes operational; 90 airports connected (incl. 15 heliports, 2 water aerodromes) as of Apr 2025
- 1.49 crore+ passengers benefited; India's airport count grew 74 (2014) to 159 (2024)
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): ₹4,023.37 crore disbursed; 80% Centre + 20% State
- Capped fares: ₹2,500 for 1-hour journey (50% seats per route)
- Modified UDAN (Budget 2025-26): 120 new destinations; 4 crore additional passengers over 10 years
- Budget FY2025-26: ₹540 crore; scheme extended for next 10 years
- Focus: Tier 2/3 cities, J&K, Ladakh, NE India, coastal areas, aspirational areas