- Seven airports in Karnataka are operational under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme, connecting 118 routes.
- ₹146.89 crore invested, with most routes showing financial viability and ongoing commercial operations.
- Development is underway for more airports, with state government support crucial for land and clearances.
Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme has greatly improved regional air connectivity in Karnataka by making seven airports operational and linking 118 routes. This scheme aims to make air travel affordable and common, boosting economic growth and access across the state. If you want to know how this scheme is changing Karnataka’s aviation scene, this article covers all the key details including operational airports, route connections, financial investments, and future development plans.
Operational Airports in Karnataka under UDAN Scheme
Out of nine airports in Karnataka, seven are now operational under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN). These airports are Bidar, Mysuru, Vidyanagar, Hubbali, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Shivamogga. This progress has improved regional connectivity and opened new travel and business opportunities within the state.
Key Routes and Connectivity Improvements
Under the UDAN scheme, 118 routes are active, connecting important cities across Karnataka. For example, Bidar airport is now linked to Bengaluru by Star Air, making travel easier and faster. These routes were chosen carefully to be financially viable and to meet the needs of everyday travelers, making air travel more accessible.
Also Read – Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme in Karnataka for Economically Weaker Families
Financial Investment and Commercial Success
An amount of ₹146.89 crore has been spent on developing these airports and routes under the UDAN scheme. Most routes that have finished their RCS period have shown financial success and continue to operate commercially. This shows how well the scheme is working to support sustainable regional air connectivity.
Revival and Expansion of Routes
Some flights stopped after their RCS period ended. To fix this, special bidding rounds are held to restart these routes and keep connectivity going. This helps maintain and grow the network, benefiting travelers and local economies.
Development Status of Additional Airports
Work is ongoing for airports at Ballari, Kolar, Kushalnagar, Raichur, and Hassan under UDAN 5.2. Bids have been received for small aircraft operations (less than 20 seats) at Ballari and Kolar airstrips. However, no bids have come in yet for Kushalnagar, Raichur, and Hassan airstrips.
Role of State Government and Land Acquisition
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked the Karnataka State Government to give consent and confirm the availability of land for these airport projects. This includes making sure the land is free of cost, free from legal issues, and suitable for operating small aircraft at first, with room for future growth. The timelines for these projects depend on factors like land acquisition, required clearances, and removing obstacles.
With ongoing cooperation between the central and state governments, the UDAN scheme is set to further improve air connectivity in Karnataka, making travel easier and supporting regional growth.