Synopsis
The Budget 2025-26 introduces a modified UDAN scheme, expanding regional air connectivity by adding 120 new destinations and facilitating the movement of 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. The initiative includes infrastructure upgrades in Bihar, focusing on cargo logistics and enhancing the civil aviation sector.Key Takeaways
- Launch of modified UDAN scheme
- 120 new destinations for air travel
- Targeting 4 crore passengers in 10 years
- Infrastructure support in Bihar
- Streamlined air cargo operations
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a revamped UDAN (Uday Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme during her Budget 2025-26 proposals, aiming to boost regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and transport 4 crore passengers over the next decade.
This initiative will also enhance helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts, according to the Finance Minister.
Commending the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN, she noted that it has empowered 1.5 crore middle-class citizens to fulfill their travel aspirations more efficiently. The scheme has successfully connected 88 airports and operationalized 619 routes. Motivated by this success,
She further informed the assembly that the government will support the enhancement of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo, particularly for high-value perishable horticultural products. Cargo screening and customs processes will be simplified and made more user-friendly.
To boost infrastructure in Bihar, the Union Finance Minister proposed the establishment of Greenfield airports in the state to address future demands. This will complement the expansion of Patna airport and the development of a brownfield airport at Bihta. Financial backing will also be extended for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project, benefiting numerous farmers who cultivate over 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
The civil aviation sector has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, playing a vital role in economic expansion and job creation.
There has been a rapid increase in airport facilities, an expansion in airline fleets, and a surge in cargo operations, pushing the boundaries of all aspects related to civil aviation. India is now recognized as the third-largest domestic aviation hub worldwide, as per a senior official.
According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s domestic air passenger traffic increased by 6.12 percent to 16.13 crore in 2024, up from 15.2 crore the previous year.
The nation’s commercial airlines also transported over 1.49 crore passengers on domestic routes in December 2024, marking an increase of 8.19 percent compared to the 1.38 crore passengers in December 2023.
