UDAN regional connectivity scheme completes 10 years: 687 routes, 95 aerodromes and 1.72 crore passengers
A PIB backgrounder released on 20 October 2026 said UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), launched on 21 October 2016, has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes and carried 1.72 crore passengers, with the next phase (Modified UDAN) launched on 4 July 2026.
Summary
The Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, completes ten years, according to a PIB backgrounder released on 20 October 2026. The scheme has operationalised 687 regional routes and 95 aerodromes, including 17 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, operated more than 3.68 lakh flights and carried 1.72 crore passengers; Rs 5,091.23 crore had been disbursed as Viability Gap Funding by 15 October 2026. The first RCS-UDAN flight ran from Shimla to Delhi in April 2017, and India's operational airports rose from 74 in 2014 to 166. The next phase, Modified UDAN, launched on 4 July 2026, stresses Centre-State partnership, with 21 MoUs signed and a Challenge Mode Portal for aerodrome development.
Key facts
- Scheme
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) - Regional Connectivity Scheme
- Launched
- 21 October 2016 (National Civil Aviation Policy 2016)
- First flight
- Shimla-Delhi, April 2017
- Routes operationalised
- 687
- Aerodromes operationalised
- 95 (incl. 17 heliports, 2 water aerodromes)
- Passengers
- 1.72 crore; 3.68 lakh+ flights
- VGF disbursed
- Rs 5,091.23 crore (as of 15 October 2026)
- Operational airports
- 74 (2014) to 166
- Next phase
- Modified UDAN, launched 4 July 2026; 21 MoUs with States/UTs and AAI
Practice MCQs 3 questions
On which date was the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN launched?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 21 October 2016
According to the PIB backgrounder of October 2026, how many regional routes have been operationalised under UDAN in ten years?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 687
The first flight under RCS-UDAN, inaugurated in April 2017, connected which two cities?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Shimla and Delhi