Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech on Sunday, announced a major expansion of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. She said 120 new cities will be added under the scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible for ordinary citizens. According to her, India’s aviation map will undergo a major transformation over the next 10 years, backed by stronger infrastructure and improved regional connectivity.
Air Travel to Reach Small and Remote Cities
The Finance Minister said the core idea of the UDAN scheme is to ensure that air travel is not limited to big cities alone. Instead, it should reach small towns and remote regions. Budget documents describe regional air connectivity as a key priority for the next decade. Under this vision, cities that currently have little or no air service will get regular flight operations, making flying easier for common people.
Aviation Landscape to Change in 10 Years
As per the Budget document, the expansion is not just about adding routes. The government plans to create capacity to handle around 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. This shows that regional aviation is being treated as a long-term growth strategy. By combining smaller airports, short-distance flights and affordable fares, the government aims to make air travel as accessible as trains and buses.
Which Airports Will Be Connected
Many unused and underutilised airstrips will be brought under the UDAN scheme. The Budget focuses on improving infrastructure such as runway upgrades, better terminal facilities and stronger navigation systems. These upgrades will help improve flight safety, regularity and overall efficiency, while also supporting regional development.
Sectors That Will Benefit
Improved regional connectivity is expected to boost tourism, trade, medical travel and local industries. Small cities are likely to see growth in hotels, transport services, logistics and the service sector, creating new employment opportunities. The Budget clearly positions UDAN not just as an aviation scheme, but as a tool for regional economic growth.
Big Vision for Affordable Flying
Overall, the Budget outlines an ambitious plan to reshape India’s aviation sector over the next decade. With 120 new destinations and capacity for 4 crore passengers, the government has signalled strong policy and investment support to make air travel affordable and reachable for the common citizen.
