New Delhi [India], October 21 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme on its eighth anniversary, highlighting its success in connecting underserved regions and promoting affordable air travel.

Shah wrote on X, "In the eight years of UDAN, the initiative driven by PM Narendra Modi's vision has not only connected the underserved regions of the nation through airways but also has given flight to India's ambitions in the new era."

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https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1848237660998938883

He added that Prime Minister Modi has "unlocked India's growth potential" by providing the right facilities to foster development across the country.

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Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, PM Modi said, "Today, we are celebrating eight years of UDAN. UDAN scheme not only made air travel affordable, but also enhanced the air network in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Over 3 lakh flights, carrying around 1.5 crore Aam Nagrik, have taken off under this scheme."

The UDAN scheme, launched on October 21, 2016, aimed to make air travel affordable for ordinary people and improve regional connectivity in India. The airfare for a one-hour journey of approximately 500 km under this scheme is capped at Rs. 2,500.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inspired this initiative, once said, "A common man who travels in slippers, should also be seen in the aircraft. This is my dream."

The scheme is part of the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It focuses on connecting underserved airports across the country and helping airlines operate in less profitable regions with government support. Airlines are encouraged to serve these areas through incentives like Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and reduced charges at airports.

The first UDAN flight took off in April 2017, linking Shimla to Delhi. Since then, the scheme has grown. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 86 airports have become operational under UDAN, and over 600 routes, including helicopter services, have been launched to connect remote areas.

The scheme has also boosted tourism, especially in regions like the Northeast and religious destinations like Khajuraho and Ajmer. UDAN's reach now extends from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh and from Himachal Pradesh to Tamil Nadu.

Since its launch, UDAN has helped over 1.44 crore passengers travel across the country, making air travel more accessible. The government aims to increase the number of operational airports from 157 to 350-400 by 2047, continuing to expand the dream of affordable flying for all. (ANI)

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