Air connectivity across India will get better under a modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme that aims to connect 120 new destinations and make air travel accessible to over 4 crore people over the next 10 years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman said on Saturday.
Presenting her record 8th Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said that the government will establish 120 new airports over the next 10 years to streamline air travel.
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“Inspired by that success, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts,” she said in her budget speech.
The UDAN scheme, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, was launched in 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel more affordable.
Till now, UDAN has connected 88 airports and has helped operationalise 619 routes.
In her Budget speech, Sitharaman said UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class people to meet their aspirations for speedier travel.
The modified scheme will support the creation of both big and small airports in hilly regions in the northeast. Meanwhile, Bihar will get new greenfield airports to meet the needs of the state.
“This government is about accelerating growth, uplift middle class. We embark on a journey to explore the potential of the country. Our aspiration for Viksit Bharat inspires us to march forward resolutely,” the finance minister said.
The central government will also work on developing tourist destinations, with Sitharaman stating that up to 50 locations will be enhanced in partnership with state governments.
With inputs from agencies
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