Lok Sabha Question No. 3132 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Routes under UDAN Scheme for Tamil Nadu
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3132

(TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18th December 2025 )

## ROUTES UNDER UDAN SCHEME FOR TAMIL NADU

## 3132.    SHRI MALAIYARASAN D Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the total number of routes currently operational under the UDAN scheme in Tamil Nadu along with their passenger load factors;
- (b)  the  steps  taken  to  ensure  timely  commencement of new UDAN routes and to maintain regular flight operations;
- (c)  whether  regional  airports  are  being  upgraded  to  handle  increased  air  traffic  under  the UDAN scheme and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the measures taken to monitor airline compliance, safety standards and service quality on UDAN routes; and

(e)  the  initiatives  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  to  promote  tourism,  business  and  economic growth through enhanced regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme?

## ANSWER

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

(a):  Under  the  RCS-UDAN  Scheme,  10  routes  are  currently  operational  in  Tamil  Nadu. Additionally, 10 routes, operationalised under RCS scheme, are currently operational as non RCS. The details of Passenger Load Factor for RCS routes in the State of Tamil Nadu is at Annexure.

- (b):  To  ensure  timely  commencement  and  sustainability  of  UDAN  routes,  airlines  are required  to  submit  business  plans  prior  to  route  award,  and  the  Implementing  Agency publishes  a  list  of  prioritized  aerodromes  that  are  ready  or  likely  to  be  ready.  In  addition, eligible  discontinued  routes  are  re-bid,  awarded,  and  operationalised  in  subsequent  rounds. Regular review of RCS Airports and routes is undertaken based on passenger load factors, airline interest, operational readiness, and financial sustainability.
- (c):  The  expansion  and  upgradation  of  airports  is  undertaken  by  the  Airport  Operators periodically, depending on the availability of land, commercial viability, traffic demand/willingness of airlines to operate to/from such airports.
- (d): Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) exercises rigorous safety and operational oversight,  including  surveillance,  audits  and  enforcement.  Passenger  interests  are  protected through  the  Passenger  Charter  and  relevant  Civil  Aviation  Requirements  (CARs)  covering refunds, flight delays and cancellations, denied boarding, and baggage compensation, while DGCA's Tariff Monitoring Unit (TMU) monitors fares to ensure transparency.
- (e):  By  improving  connectivity  in  Tier-2  and  Tier-3  cities,  the  RCS-UDAN  Scheme  is fostering tourism, trade, employment,  and  inclusive  development across remote and underserved regions.
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## ANNEXURE

## Passenger Load Factor in the State of Tamil Nadu under RCS-UDAN

|   S No | Departure   | Arrival    | Operator     |   Pax Load Factor (Sep 24 to Aug 25) |
|--------|-------------|------------|--------------|--------------------------------------|
|      1 | Salem       | Bangalore  | Alliance Air |                                56.34 |
|      2 | Bangalore   | Salem      | Alliance Air |                                55.43 |
|      3 | Salem       | Cochin     | Alliance Air |                                55.78 |
|      4 | Cochin      | Salem      | Alliance Air |                                56.81 |
|      5 | Salem       | Bangalore  | Indigo       |                                84.6  |
|      6 | Bangalore   | Salem      | Indigo       |                                75.45 |
|      7 | Salem       | Hyderabad  | Indigo       |                                65.12 |
|      8 | Hyderabad   | Salem      | Indigo       |                                64.04 |
|      9 | Chennai     | Shivamogga | Spicejet     |                                48.33 |
|     10 | Shivamogga  | Chennai    | Spicejet     |                                45.82 |