Maharashtra Secures Rs 632 Crore in UDAN Viability Gap Funding
Maharashtra has emerged as the second-largest beneficiary of the central government's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, securing more than Rs 632 crore in viability gap funding to boost air connectivity across its underserved and unserved regions, including Nashik’s Ozar and Sindhudurg’s Chhipi.
According to official data released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Maharashtra received Rs 632.29 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) disbursements as of June 30. The funding aims to support capital and operational requirements to integrate key interior tier-2 and tier-3 locations into the national aviation network, covering airstrips and airports at Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Solapur, and Amravati alongside Ozar and Chhipi.
Nationally, Karnataka topped the tally by receiving Rs 823.73 crore in VGF disbursements. The ministry's data showed a strong focus on boosting connectivity across western, southern, and northern corridors. Uttar Pradesh received over Rs 523 crore, while Rajasthan and Gujarat received over Rs 282 crore and Rs 220 crore, respectively.
Under the broader UDAN framework, the Union government has developed and operationalised 95 airports, 17 heliports, and two water aerodromes across the country. Additionally, around 188 UDAN routes were operationalised nationwide during the last three financial years.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently launched a modified version of the UDAN scheme, extending its term until 2036. The revised scheme aims to upgrade 100 unserved airstrips into full-fledged airports and construct 200 modern helipads with an investment of Rs 3,661 crore over eight years, budgeting approximately Rs 15 crore per helipad.
The modified framework will also provide airline operators with VGF support worth Rs 10,043 crore over a 10-year period, an increase from the previous three-year window. It includes provisions to procure indigenous aircraft, specifically two units each of HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft, for operations in regional and difficult terrains. Furthermore, Rs 2,577 crore has been earmarked for operations and maintenance support across roughly 441 aerodromes.
