Tired of planning your weekend getaways in rickety buses? Is the overnight journey taking a toll on your neck? The government has announced the first round of regional flights under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme between Delhi and Shimla. The service is being provided at a subsidised fare of Rs 2500 per hour.
The three inaugural flights were launched in the sectors of Shimla-Delhi, Kadapa-Hyderabad and Nanded-Hyderabad.
The scheme will help people fly cheap to small towns. The Prime Minister’s Office announced the launch in a series of tweets.
Here are a few things you need to know about the scheme:
- The scheme will put 70 unserved, underserved airports on the map and thus boost regional air travel
- 22 states will now be connected as a result of the 27 proposals put forth
- Airlines included in the scheme are Airline Allied Services (Alliance Air), SpiceJet, Turbo Megha Airways, Air Deccan and Air Odisha
- The seating capacity will be anywhere between 19 to 78, and cap the fare at Rs 2500/hr
So, there is a good chance the next time you make the most of your 2-day weekend by flying out to somewhere nearby by not spending a bomb, you will have the government’s UDAN scheme to thank.
