Lok Sabha Question No. 3139 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Air Connectivity to Smaller Towns
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Smt. Shambhavi, Shri Rajesh Verma, Dr. Lata Wankhede, Shri Atul Garg

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3139

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18th December 2025 )

## AIR CONNECTIVITY TO SMALLER TOWNS

3139.    SMT SHAMBHAVI SHRI RAJESH VERMA DR. LATA WANKHEDE SHRI ATUL GARG Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  the  details  of  new  airports  recently  established  and  the  manner  in  which  this  rapid expansion would improve connectivity for smaller towns while complementing the UDAN scheme in the country, particularly in Bihar;
- (b) the current statistical data of UDAN including the total number of operational routes and connected  airports  and  the  present  status,  locations  and  function  of  the  UDAN  Yatri  Cafe initiative;
- (c)  the  expanded  operational  framework  and  the  specific  resource  allocation  including Viability  Gap  Funding  (VGF)  for  UDAN's  planned  extension  to  120  new  destinations enabling affordable travel for an additional four crore passengers;
- (d)  the  details  of  the  "Fares  Se  Fursat"  fixed  low  airfare  scheme  and  the  manner  in  which such fixed-fare initiatives would stabilise air ticket prices for the passengers; and
- (e)  the  steps  being  taken  to  leverage  infrastructure  growth  and  the  extended  UDAN framework beyond 2027 to stabilise ticket prices and ensure sustainable and affordable air travel?

## ANSWER

## Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) & (b): Under the 'Revival of unserved and underserved airports' scheme, an airport which is  included  in  the  awarded  routes  of  UDAN  and  requires  upgradation/development  for  the commencement of  UDAN operations,  is  developed.  On  development  and  readiness  of  the airport,  Selected  Airline  Operators  (SAOs)  commence  operations  on  the  awarded  UDAN routes  connecting these  airports.  As  of  30.11.2025,  93  airports/heliports/  water-aerodromes have been operationalised through 651 Routes under the RCS-UDAN Scheme. ;

In the State of Bihar, 8 Airports have been identified under the UDAN Scheme out of which, 2 airports, Darbhanga & Purnea have already been operationalised.

UDAN Yatri Cafe is a budget-friendly initiative designed to provide affordable, hygienic, and quality  food  and  beverages  to  travellers  at  airports.UDAN  Yatri  Cafes  are  currently operational at Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada and Hollongi.;

(c)  to  (e):  The  Modified  UDAN  Scheme  to  increase  regional  connectivity  to  120  new destinations across the country is currently at the approval stage. ; The UDAN scheme offers financial incentives to airlines through Central/State Government and  airport  operator  concessions,  along  with  Viability  Gap  Funding  (VGF)  to  cover  costrevenue  gaps.  Airfares  for  VGF-supported  RCS  seats  are  capped  at  subsidised  rates,  with quarterly  indexation.  These  measures  enhance  the  affordability  and  sustainability  of  air travel.

M/s Alliance Air Aviation Limited, a Government of India Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) has  introduced  one  route,  one  fare  scheme  providing  fixed  fare  on  selected  25  routes  for travel dates from 13.10.2025 to 31.12.2025 on pilot basis.

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