CM Pushkar Singh Dhami flags off 42-seater flight; regional connectivity gets major boost under UDAN
DEHRADUN |
In a significant push to regional air connectivity, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the Dehradun–Pithoragarh–Dehradun air service from Jolly Grant Airport. The service will be operated by Alliance Air using a 42-seater aircraft.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the launch of this service on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami will reduce travel time between Dehradun and Pithoragarh to just one hour. He termed the service strategically important, especially for border and remote regions.
Highlighting the transformation in India’s aviation sector, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making air travel accessible to common citizens. He noted that the UDAN Scheme, launched in 2016, has revolutionized civil aviation by connecting smaller towns and remote areas with affordable air services.
The Chief Minister further informed that the Central Government has recently approved UDAN 2.0, which aims to develop 100 new airports and 200 heliports over the next decade with an estimated budget of ₹29,000 crore. The initiative focuses on strengthening connectivity in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as well as remote and hilly regions.
Air Services Becoming Lifeline in Uttarakhand
Dhami emphasized that for a hilly state like Uttarakhand, air connectivity has become more than just a mode of transport—it is now a lifeline. From delivering essential supplies to remote areas to facilitating emergency medical evacuations, air services are playing a crucial role.
Currently, 26 air routes are operational in the state under the UDAN scheme. Additionally, the “Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme” launched in 2023 is running flights on six routes. Over the past four years, the number of heliports has increased from 2 to 12, while helipads have grown from 60 to 118. The state has also received national recognition as the “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.”
Boost to Pithoragarh Economy
The Chief Minister stated that the new air service will significantly boost the economy of Pithoragarh and help integrate remote border areas into the mainstream of development. He also mentioned that helicopter services between Pithoragarh and Munsyari have already been started.
He added that the Pithoragarh airport is being developed at a cost of ₹450 crore. An MoU between the Airports Authority of India and the Uttarakhand Government for the acquisition of Naini Saini Airport has also been signed in the presence of the Prime Minister during the State Foundation Day celebrations.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu extended his best wishes via video message and assured continued support for enhancing aviation infrastructure in the state.
Several dignitaries, including Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials, were present at the event.
