Parliament Question: UDAN Scheme for Kolar District

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3138 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6th August 2026 ) UDAN SCHEME FOR KOLAR DISTRICT 3138. SHRI M MALLESH BABU Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) the progress achieved by the Government with regard to development of the Kolar airstrip under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN and its integration into the regional aviation network; (b) the actions initiated by the Government for facilitating commencement of commercial flight operations, strengthening aviation infrastructure and improving air connectivity in Kolar district of Karnataka; (c) the developments witnessed in relation to technical assessments, route planning, airline participation and infrastructure requirements associated with operation of flights from the said district; (d) the measures implemented by the Government for enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic activity, facilitating tourism and improving travel convenience through aviation infrastructure in the region; and (e) whether the Government plans for operationalisation of air services from Kolar and for maximising the benefits of the UDAN Scheme for the said district and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (e): Kolar airstrip is included in the list of unserved airports under the UDAN Scheme. As per the provisions of the Scheme, revival/upgradation of unserved and underserved airports is undertaken only upon identification of the airport through a valid bid and award of a route to a Selected Airline Operator (SAO). No bids for routes connecting Kolar airstrip were received from any airline during the five rounds of bidding conducted under the UDAN Scheme. Consequently, the airstrip was not taken up for revival/upgradation under the Scheme.Further, the Government has launched the next phase of the UDAN Scheme on 04.07.2026 for a period of ten years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore, including budgetary support of Rs 12,159 crore from the Government of India for the development of 100 airports. The Scheme provides a Challenge Mode framework under which State Governments may nominate airstrips for development. Proposals are evaluated based on availability of land, infrastructure readiness, technical and operational feasibility, traffic potential, statutory clearances and support of the State Governments. ******