MUMBAI- Under the UDAN scheme, nine airports in Maharashtra earmarked for revival and operation include Kolhapur, Jalgaon, Solapur, Amravati, Nanded, Nasik, Ratnagiri, Gondia, and Sindhudurg.
The total budget allocated for developing these airports in the State is ₹561.20 crores. Kolhapur, renowned for its foundry, leather shoes, sugar trade, and jaggery, secured the highest budget allocation of ₹305.93 crore, with ₹296.59 crore (97%) already utilized.
Maharashtra Airports UDAN Budget
The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in October 2016, aims to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable.
The UDAN scheme focuses on connecting unserved and underserved airports by reviving existing airstrips and airports.
Amravati in the Vidarbha region received the second-highest allocation of ₹100 crore, utilizing ₹66 crore to date. However, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, known for their scenic beauty and Hapus mango variety, have not received any budget so far.
In the Marathwada region, Nanded received the lowest budget allocation of ₹0.20 crore, fully utilized. Solapur, famed for its blankets, was allocated ₹80 crore but has utilized only ₹15 crore up to the present.
Urge for Better Connectivity
State industrial bodies have been urging the government to bolster the airline network, aiming to enhance connectivity and benefit industries.
Further, the elected representatives from these districts are also advocating for intervention by the union government, urging talks with airlines to initiate services in these cities.
According to experts, the UDAN scheme has made noteworthy progress in improving regional air connectivity in Maharashtra, with a considerable portion of the allocated budget already utilized.
However, challenges persist in ensuring a fair distribution of funds among all identified airports and ensuring the full utilization of the allocated budget.
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