New Delhi:

The civil aviation ministry on Sunday said as many as 601 routes and 71 airports have been operationalised under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN, which was introduced eight years ago.

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and making flying more affordable.

In a release, the ministry said 601 routes, including helicopter routes, have been operationalised, and that around 28 per cent of these routes serve the remotest locations.

“A total of 86 aerodromes — comprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes — have been operationalised, facilitating the travel of over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights,” it added.

Meanwhile, the number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase the count to 350-400 by 2047.

The UDAN scheme was introduced on October 21, 2016.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu launched the Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India today, simplifying regulations for such operations in the country. Mr Naidu said, “These guidelines not only integrate seaplane operations into India’s aviation landscape for transportation but also create jobs and foster economic empowerment, making seaplanes a symbol of the country’s growth, innovation, and commitment to inclusive development.”

The new guidelines allow non-scheduled entities to operate such services and put in place a simplified certificate process. The relaxed norms are aimed at encouraging seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).

Seaplanes can land and take off from the sea. Under the relaxed norms of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there will be no need for a waterdrome license and compliance requirements have also been reduced. Waterdromes are for landing and taking off seaplanes.

“On careful study of the situation and drawing from the experience of the helicopter operations, the Government has taken a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the growth of seaplane operations,” Mr Naidu said. The Minister also announced that the demonstration flights of the seaplane by manufacturer DeHavilland would be held shortly.

Minister Murlidhar Mohol said, “This initiative is poised to not only improve connectivity but also to boost tourism, foster economic growth, and bring the most remote areas of India closer together. The newly launched guidelines represent a well-considered framework designed to ensure that seaplane operations are conducted safely, securely, and efficiently, marking a new era in India’s aviation landscape.”

Among other regulatory changes, fresh Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders can now directly obtain seaplane ratings that will allow them to fly seaplanes.

These guidelines prioritize the safety and security of operations and define the responsibilities of all stakeholders, ensuring a seamless and efficient seaplane operation across the nation, the Centre said.

The adoption of the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework for seaplanes is a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, they added.

Earlier in June, the DGCA revised norms to streamline infrastructure procedures, pilot training requirements, and regulatory compliances, paving the way for seaplane services to reach remote areas.

The revised regulations incorporated easier training requirements and simplified approval processes for seaplane operations.

India had seaplane operations in Andaman & Nicobar as well as in Gujarat but they couldn’t sustain for long. Meanwhile, the government plans to set up water aerodromes at 18 places spread across Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Goa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.