When Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned air travel for every Indian — even those wearing ‘hawai chappals’ — it seemed an audacious dream. Yet today, as the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme completes eight transformative years, that vision has been translated into reality. UDAN is no longer merely a scheme; it is a movement that has democratized aviation, connected remote corners of India, and fueled economic resurgence in regions once deemed inaccessible.
Launched on October 21, 2016, UDAN stands as a shining example of inclusive governance. In just under a decade, it has operationalized 625 routes, connecting 90 airports, two water aerodromes, and 15 heliports. It has enabled over 1.49 crore common citizens to take to the skies — many for the first time. India’s airport network itself has more than doubled, expanding from 74 airports in 2014 to 159 in 2024. This is not merely an infrastructure story — it is a story of aspiration, opportunity, and transformation.
Beyond numbers, UDAN has had a profound societal impact. It has connected regions to better healthcare, education, tourism, and markets, especially in India’s North-East, hill states, and aspirational districts. Initiatives like Krishi UDAN have strengthened agricultural logistics, helping farmers realize better prices for their produce. Innovations such as UDAN Yatri Cafés and guidelines for seaplane operations underline the scheme’s people-centric approach. Yet, the journey is far from over. With the revamped UDAN aiming to connect 120 new destinations and cater to 4 crore more passengers over the next decade, the path ahead is ambitious. The focus on developing 50 new airports, prioritizing underserved regions, and fostering sustainable regional aviation reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that the dream of affordable air travel reaches every Indian household.
As India aspires to become a global aviation hub, UDAN will be the cornerstone that anchors our aviation ambitions in inclusivity, resilience, and growth. It reminds us that development is meaningful only when it is broad-based — when the remotest village feels connected to the nation’s heartbeat. UDAN is not just lifting flights; it is lifting lives. In an India poised for Viksit Bharat @2047, UDAN will continue to be the wind beneath the wings of millions of dreams.