The government has informed Parliament that five airports including two helipads, along with 38 routes, have been operationalised during 2025-26, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN).
The five facilities operationalised during 2025-26 include three airports – Amravati, Datia, Purnea – and two helipads – Reckong Peo and Sanjoli.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on the shortfall in operationalizing heliports and water aerodromes under UDAN scheme in 2025-26, MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said, “During 2025-26, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), 5 airports including 2 Helipads namely, Amravati, Datia, Purnea, Reckong Peo (H) & Sanjoli (H) and 38 routes have been operationalised”.
On passenger congestion in airports in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, the minister stated that passenger traffic at airports varies depending on factors such as seasonal demand, festivals, holidays and airline schedules.
During peak travel periods, higher passenger footfall may be observed at some airports which could lead to temporary congestion, the minister said.
He added that airport operators continuously monitor passenger traffic and take necessary operational measures to ensure smooth passenger facilitation and efficient airport operations.
