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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 917
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 )
EXPANSION OF UDAN SCHEME IN KERALA
917. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the UDAN
Scheme in Kerala to improve regional air connectivity and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the number of routes sanctioned, operationalised and discontinued under the
UDAN Scheme in Kerala during the last three years;
(c) whether any proposals have been received from the State Government of
Kerala for inclusion of additional destinations under future phases of the UDAN
Scheme and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken to improve affordable air connectivity and passenger services in
underserved regions?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a) to (d): Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, one airport in
Keralam, namely Kannur, has been identified for operationalisation of RCS flight
services to enhance regional air connectivity. A total of 20 routes have been
operationalised under RCS-UDAN scheme in Keralam out of which, 12 routes are
currently operational.
As next phase of UDAN scheme, the Government has launched the Modified
UDAN Scheme on 04.07.2026 to further enhance regional air connectivity across
the country, including Kerala, targeting 120 new unserved and underserved
destinations and facilitating air travel for 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years.
The Scheme envisages a Challenge Mode framework for the development of
airports nominated by States.The UDAN Scheme promotes affordable air travel by providing financial
incentives to selected airline operators (SAOs) through concessions extended by
the Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories, and airport
operators to reduce operational costs, along with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for
the operation of RCS routes. Further, selected airline operators are required to
provide around 50% of the seats as RCS seats, with the applicable airfare capped
for seats supported through VGF.
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