DAW 18th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

DAW 18th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

Question

What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (250 Words, 15 Marks).

Model Answer

Approach: Introduction:

  • Introduce with UDAN Scheme importance in regional connectivity and establish link with the body part.

Body:

  • Need for Expanding Regional Air Connectivity

  • Key Features of the UDAN Scheme

  • UDAN Scheme Achievements (2016-2025)

  • Way Forward

Conclusion:

  • Conclude accordingly by connecting Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

Introduction:

  • India’s vast geography and regional inequalities make stronger regional air connectivity vital for inclusive growth, balanced development, and national integration. Better connectivity boosts economic activity, tourism, and accessibility in remote regions. To address these gaps, the government launched the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme in 2016 under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to make air travel affordable and link Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with the national aviation network.

Body: Need for Expanding Regional Air Connectivity:

  • Balanced Regional Development – Connects remote towns with major economic hubs, reducing regional disparities.  E.g.: Northeast cities linked with Kolkata/Delhi enabling smoother movement of goods and services.

  • Boosting Tourism and Trade – Enhances visibility of lesser-known destinations.  E.g.: Darbhanga (Bihar) witnessed rising tourist inflow after UDAN routes opened.

  • Reduced Travel Time & Better Mobility – Makes inter-state travel faster and more efficient.  E.g.: Guwahati–Pasighat travel time reduced from 12 hours (road) to 1 hour (air).

  • Employment Generation – Aviation infrastructure creates direct and indirect jobs.  E.g.: New UDAN airports generated jobs in ground handling, logistics, and hospitality.

  • National Security & Strategic Access – Critical for strengthening border connectivity.  E.g.: Enhanced air links in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh support defence and civilian movement.

  • Disaster Management & Emergency Response – Enables faster rescue, relief, and medical evacuation.  E.g.: Airstrips in flood-prone Northeast and Uttarakhand support rapid NDRF deployment.

  • Decongesting Major Metro Airports – Diverts traffic from overloaded hubs like Delhi and Mumbai.  E.g.: Development of regional airports like Kishangarh and Kalaburagi reduces pressure on metros.

Key Features of the UDAN Scheme:

  • Subsidized Airfare – Passenger fares are capped at ₹2,500 for a 500 km or one-hour flight, ensuring affordable regional air travel.

  • Viability Gap Funding (VGF) – Government provides financial support to airlines to operate non-commercially viable regional routes, making services sustainable.

  • Airport Development – Focus on developing and upgrading unserved and underserved airports, including runways, terminals, ATC facilities, and navigational aids.

  • Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model – Encourages private sector participation in developing and operating regional airports, enhancing efficiency and investment.

UDAN Scheme Achievements (2016-2025):

  • 625 routes operationalized, covering 90 airports (including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes).

  • 3 lakh UDAN flights operated nationwide.

  • Over 1.49 crore passengers benefited from affordable fares.

  • 102 new routes launched in 2024, including 20 in the Northeast region.

  • ₹4,023.37 crore disbursed as Viability Gap Funding by March 2025.

  • Enhanced air connectivity to Khajuraho, Amritsar, Ajmer, Deoghar, and Northeast India.

  • Supported growth of regional airlines like Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91.

“Aviation was once considered the domain of a select few, but that has changed now with the advent of UDAN. My dream is to see a person who wears a 'hawai chappal' to fly on the 'hawai jahaz’.” Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Vision for 2047: Soaring Skies, Thriving Economy:

  • Massive Airport Expansion

  • Increase India’s airports from 163 (2025) to 350–400 by 2047 under Aviation Vision 2047.

  • Surging Passenger Traffic

  • Annual air passengers expected to exceed 1 billion by 2047.

  • Large-Scale Job Creation

  • Aviation sector projected to support over 25 million jobs by 2047.

  • Current contribution already around 7.7 million jobs.

  • Boost to a $10-Trillion Economy

  • Aviation to become a key pillar of India’s $10-trillion economic target, driven by regional connectivity and airport growth.

  • Technology & Innovation Push

  • Digi Yatra, Drone PLI Scheme, Greenfield Airports Policy driving efficiency, digitalisation, sustainability, and new mobility solutions.

  • Growth in Allied Sectors

  • Expansion in MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul), drone manufacturing, pilot training, and airport services, creating new economic opportunities.

Way Forward:

  • Improve Airport Infrastructure

  • Upgrade runways, terminals, ATC systems, and cargo facilities.

  • E.g.: Several UDAN airports still lack night-landing systems.

  • Strengthen Last-Mile Connectivity

  • Improve road and rail links to regional airports for seamless access.

  • E.g.: Many small airports remain poorly connected to nearby towns.

  • Enhance Private Sector Participation (PPP)

  • Promote PPP models to improve airport management, funding, and operations.

  • E.g.: Private investment can modernise amenities and improve service quality.

Conclusion:

  • India’s civil aviation sector- one of the fastest-growing globally- has made the country the third-largest domestic aviation market. With rising passenger traffic, expanding regional connectivity, and modernising aviation systems, the sector is enhancing mobility, boosting economic growth, and strengthening national integration. These reforms position India to confidently pursue its Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, with aviation emerging as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development.