April onwards UDAN flights to start under regional air connectivity programme.

The ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’ (UDAN) scheme would begin from April. The aviation ministry has announced the first regional flight accordingly. Under the UDAN scheme, the government will provide air travel facility to common man with a subsidised per hour of flight airfare at Rs 2,500 only. As per the reports in The Economic Times, civil aviation secretary R N Choubey said, “We expect that the first regional flight will start from next month.” The ministry announced that five airlines have submitted 27 proposals, which have been accepted. By enforcing this programme, the government will facilitate connectivity to 31 additional airports in the country. Further, these airlines will together connect 128 routes across India. Choubey added that, “In a century of civil aviation, only 76 airports connected with scheduled commercial flights. In one year since aviation policy was announced, 31 more unserved airports will get connectivity.” The government will provide a subsidy of Rs 205 crore for the first year of starting a regional flight. At last, taking a flight from a regional airport will be a reality for the citizens residing in the remote areas of India.