New Delhi, Dec 8 (Agency) As on November 29, after four rounds of bidding under UDAN, 453 routes have commenced, operationalizing 70 airports including 2 water aerodromes and 9 heliports. More than 2.15 lakh UDAN flights have operated and over 1.1 crore passengers have availed the benefits in UDAN flights so far, according to the aviation ministry. The scheme has been able to provide air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities at affordable airfares and has transformed the way people travel. The UDAN scheme is applicable for a period of 10 years from the date of notification. The government has set a target to operationalize 1000 UDAN routes during the currency of the scheme and to revive and develop 100 unserved and underserved airports, heliports and water aerodromes by 2024.
The Centre has approved a budget of Rs 4500 crore for revival of existing unserved, underserved airports and airstrips of state governments, Airports Authority of India, Public Sector Undertakings and Civil Enclaves. The AAI, the implementing agency, monitors the progress for the revival and development of awarded aerodromes under UDAN and the same is reviewed by the ministry in consultation with stakeholders from time to time.