The Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh on Monday (February 5) informed that the government has not cancelled any route under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). The statement came as a response to a query during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha.
Launched in 2016, UDAN aims to bolster regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for residents of tier-2 and tier-3 cities and towns.
509 routes currently operational
The minister clarified that approximately 509 routes are currently operational, and routes are allocated to airlines through a bidding process. These allocations are based on underserved or unserved airports, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) facilitating necessary facilities for flight operations on specific routes.
Singh emphasised that if an airline discontinues a route, re-bidding for that route occurs in the next round, ensuring no cancellation of routes. He noted that there is no pre-allotment of routes, and airlines must commence flight operations within two years of bidding. Failure to do so leads to the route being included in the next bidding process.
UDAN flight services in Maharashtra
Regarding flight services to the pilgrimage destination of Shirdi in Maharashtra, Singh mentioned that the airport is under the state government’s jurisdiction. Airlines determine the frequency of flights based on cost and viability, but the government is willing to convey requests to airlines for increased services.
On the delay in inaugurating the new terminal at Pune airport, the minister assured that work is ongoing. He acknowledged concerns raised by a member regarding the deteriorating condition of Pune airport.