New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) India’s aviation narrative is soaring brightly, boldly, and beautifully in its pursuit of inclusiveness. The regional connectivity initiative UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is crafting a national framework of mobility, where distance transforms into access and challenges morph into opportunities, according to a report released on Friday.

The report asserts that India is forging an aviation vision not only for the present but also for the century to come. By the time the nation celebrates a century of independence in 2047, the aviation sector aspires to be a pivotal force propelling a $10 trillion economy.

“Like an aircraft ascending through the morning mist, India’s aviation saga has reached impressive heights in under a decade. What began as an initiative to democratize air travel has matured into a comprehensive transformation of the nation's skies. Central to this movement is one visionary concept: UDAN. Launched in 2016 to make air travel accessible to all Indians, this scheme has emerged as a beacon of progress, linking lives, markets, and aspirations,” the report from Vietnam Times elaborated.

“Today, UDAN is recognized as one of India’s most significant accomplishments, seamlessly integrating prosperity into the nation’s social and economic framework. Small towns once primarily known for bus terminals or railway crossings now embrace aircraft and opportunities equally. Runways have evolved into new gateways for growth,” it continued.

As per the report, 649 UDAN routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme link 93 aerodromes, which include heliports in the Himalayas and water aerodromes along the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep coasts.

“This connectivity is characterized by agility and innovation, determined to reach every corner of India’s map. Over 1.56 crore passengers have flown on 3.23 lakh UDAN flights to date. Each flight represents more than just a statistic; it is a testament to the everyday Indian who now perceives flying not as a luxury, but as a standard, efficient mode of travel. The essence of the scheme lies in its principle: affordability coupled with accessibility,” the report highlighted.

“To support these routes and incentivize airlines, the government has allocated $500 million (Rs 4,300 crore) in Viability Gap Funding. This initiative creates a bridge between profitability and service to the public, demonstrating that sound economics and inclusive development can soar together,” it emphasized.

The report also underlined that India’s civil aviation sector has outpaced most global markets, positioning the country among the top three domestic aviation markets worldwide.

“As UDAN celebrates its remarkable journey, it also ascends towards a future filled with potential. The engines are roaring, the seatbelt signs are turned off, and India’s journey into the realm of global aviation has only just commenced,” it concluded.