UDAN Scheme Faces Viability Challenges in Hyderabad

The Centre's UDAN regional air-connectivity scheme is struggling to keep several routes airborne in Hyderabad despite viability-gap funding. According to a report, 14 of 60 sanctioned route sectors are either non-operational or have not commenced. Stalled services include the Hyderabad-Vidyanagar sector, which remains non-operational, and the proposed Hyderabad-Prakasam Barrage seaplane service, which is pending because required water aerodromes are not ready.

The scheme is facing operational challenges, with sources noting that several UDAN services have struggled to remain viable and airlines have withdrawn from routes that fail to generate sufficient revenue. This highlights difficulties in sustaining subsidized regional air travel connectivity.