In a landmark move to strengthen regional connectivity, the Civilian Aviation Ministry launched its aircraft BOEING-737 flight from Kolkata—Hindon—Goa on 01 March 2025. The project was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, at Hindon, showcasing exemplary civilian-military coordination.
Hindon airport is located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Due to its strategic location, dual use capabilities, military infrastructure and capacity to handle diverse air traffic, it is a crucial asset for the nation. Introduction of flights from Hindon will go a long way in decongesting air traffic in NCR.
This flight under UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) project is a testament to the Indian Air Force’s commitment to supporting both military and civilian air operations, facilitating improved access to varied locations.
Beyond its core mission of safeguarding the nation’s skies, the Indian Air Force actively contributes to nation-building by supporting initiatives like Project UDAN, aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity across India.
UDAN-RCS: Boosting Regional Air Connectivity in India
UDAN-RCS (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik – “Let the Common Citizen Fly”) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity. As part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the program focuses on developing under-serviced air routes and upgrading both Greenfield and Brownfield airports. The primary objective of UDAN is to make air travel more affordable and accessible, thereby driving economic growth across various regions of India.
When the scheme was launched, India had 486 airports, of which 406 were under-serviced, while only 27 were well-connected. Additionally, among 97 non-RCS airports, only 12 were operational. The UDAN initiative was introduced to bridge this gap by expediting the development and operationalization of nearly 425 unserved and underdeveloped regional airports with regular flight services.
Challenges and Progress
Despite its ambitious goals, UDAN has faced several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, dominance of larger airlines, struggles of regional carriers, and slow implementation. These issues have affected the scheme’s overall impact. However, progress continues, and as of October 2023, India has 149 operational civil aviation airports, including:
- 30 international airports
- 12 customs airports
- 107 domestic airports
- Additional civil enclaves within military bases
To further ease congestion in metropolitan areas, India plans to develop second airports in major cities—6 by 2030, 15 by 2040, and over 30 by 2047.
Integration with Other Initiatives
UDAN-RCS is closely linked with several key infrastructure and development programs, including Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Parvatmala, Setu Bharatam, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Industrial Corridors, BharatNet, Digital India, Make in India, Startup India, and Standup India. By aligning with these initiatives, the scheme aims to create a robust transportation network that enhances regional development and connectivity.
While challenges persist, the continued expansion of regional aviation under UDAN is set to play a crucial role in India’s economic and infrastructural growth.
Phases of the UDAN Scheme
UDAN 1.0 (2017): The first phase saw the commissioning of 36 new airports and the allocation of 128 flight routes covering 70 airports. Five airline companies were awarded these routes.
UDAN 2.0 (2018): This phase introduced helipads. A total of 73 unserved airports were identified for development.
UDAN 3.0 (2019): Several enhancements were made, including the introduction of tourist routes, seaplanes to connect water aerodromes, and expanded air connectivity to the North-East region.
UDAN 4.0 (2020): A total of 78 new routes were approved. This phase also focused on improving connectivity to the Lakshadweep Islands, including Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy.
UDAN 4.1 (2021): Special emphasis was placed on linking small airports, helicopter routes, and seaplane operations. Additionally, new routes were proposed under the Sagarmala Seaplane Services initiative to boost maritime air connectivity.
