FM Announces Expanded UDAN Scheme To Boost Regional Air Connectivity: Budget 2025

New Delhi, Feb 1 (KNN) In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the success of the UDAN scheme, which has significantly benefited the middle-class population by providing access to more affordable and faster air travel. 

Since its inception, UDAN has helped 1.5 crore people fulfill their aspirations for swifter travel. The scheme has successfully connected 88 airports and made 619 air routes operational.

Building on the achievements of UDAN, the government will launch a modified version of the scheme aimed at further improving regional connectivity. 

The revised UDAN initiative will expand air travel to 120 new destinations, with the goal of serving 4 crore passengers over the next decade. 

Additionally, the scheme will focus on supporting the development of helipads and smaller airports, particularly in hilly, aspirational, and North Eastern regions, ensuring broader accessibility to air travel across India.

(KNN Bureau)