2024 · GS Paper 3 · Q12 · 15 marks
What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements.
In short
Regional air connectivity is needed to reach difficult terrain, spread growth to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, decongest metros and speed emergency response, and UDAN meets it through capped fares and viability gap funding. UDAN has operationalised 649 routes and 93 airports, carrying 1.56 crore passengers.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words
Difficult geographies
The North-East, Himalayan states and islands lack fast surface links, so short flights save a day of travel.
Economic multiplier
Aviation supports about 77 lakh jobs, including 3.69 lakh direct jobs (PIB, 2025) and brings tourism and investment to smaller cities.
Demand and decongestion
Airport passengers rose from 17 crore to 38 crore in about eight years, so regional hubs ease metro airports.
Emergency access
Air links speed medical evacuation and disaster relief in remote districts.
Cross-subsidy model
A levy on trunk routes funds the Regional Connectivity Fund, with Centre, states and AAI sharing concessions.
Scale
649 routes and 93 airports operationalised, carrying 1.56 crore passengers (PIB, 2025).
Spin-offs
Lifeline UDAN flew medical cargo in 2020, and Krishi UDAN 2.0 moves perishables from hill states.
Durable routes
The CAG's 2023 audit found many routes lapsed, so tie support to demand and airport readiness.
Expansion
Deliver the Budget 2025-26 plan for 120 new destinations.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.