Government to Revamp UDAN Scheme with Focus on Airport Readiness

09 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Indian government is set to revamp its regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), by prioritising airport readiness before inviting airlines to bid for operating routes. Financial support for the development of unserved airports and airstrips across the country is expected to be a key focus in the upcoming budget, along with stricter assessments of route feasibility, according to sources. Launched in 2017 to boost air travel in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, the UDAN scheme caps airfares and provides subsidies to airlines for operating on less frequented routes. However, the scheme has faced challenges, with only 60% of the original 615 routes currently operational. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) last year highlighted significant delays in reviving identified airports, with work initiated at only 61% of the planned sites. Airlines have raised concerns about financial burdens resulting from unready airports despite winning bids, as they incur costs from leasing planes and hiring staff. Under the scheme, airlines must commence flights within four months of winning a bid and enjoy a three-year exclusivity period on the routes, shielding them from competition. Remote airports also benefit from reduced aviation turbine fuel (ATF) tax rates and waived airport fees. The civil aviation ministry plans to propose extending the scheme beyond its initial 10-year term, which ends in 2026, to further support regional connectivity. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..