Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore highlighted the Central government’s efforts, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to bolster regional air connectivity across India. The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently launched the revised UDAN scheme, aiming to connect 120 new unserved and underserved destinations to the aviation network in the next decade. This initiative, as shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in the Rajya Sabha, is anticipated to benefit around 40 million passengers.
Rathore mentioned the launch of 204 new Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) routes under UDAN in the past three years, with 150 routes currently operational. While some routes were temporarily suspended due to technical reasons, efforts are underway to revive and operationalize them. In Rajasthan, the newly inaugurated terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, spanning 23,000 square meters, is equipped with modern amenities and can accommodate 2,000 passengers during peak hours and 2 million annually.
The upgraded airport infrastructure includes an apron capable of hosting 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft simultaneously. Rathore emphasized that these enhancements will offer top-notch facilities to passengers, fostering tourism, trade, and investment in Rajasthan. He also highlighted the government’s collaboration with state authorities, implementing bodies, and airlines to revive non-operational routes, aiming to boost connectivity in remote areas and support regional development.
Rathore underscored the significance of expanding air connectivity in line with PM Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He expressed optimism that the initiative would create avenues in tourism, employment, trade, and investment, contributing to economic growth nationwide, including in Rajasthan.
