Delhi-Shimla flight at Rs 2500 under UDAN: My dream was to see people who wear hawai chappal fly on hawai jahaz, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off much awaited regional connectivity scheme UDAN - Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik - saying dreams of middle class will take flight with this. The three inaugural flights were launched in the sectors of Shimla-Delhi, Kadapa-Hyderabad and Nanded-Hyderabad.

While launching the first flight under the UDAN scheme, Prime Minister Modi said: "My dream was to see a person who wears a 'hawai chappal' to fly on the 'hawai jahaz' or plane." He further said that the scheme caters to the aspirations of the people of India, making flights cheaper than taxi fare.

"The lives of the middle class are being transformed and their aspirations are increasing. Earlier, aviation was considered to be the domain of a select few. That has changed now," the Prime Minister said.

Air India on Tuesday had opened bookings for the first launch flight from Shimla to Delhi with all inclusive fares starting at Rs 2,036. The routes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCE) are spread out across all corners of the country.

Read Also: Cheap flights to boost tourism and connectivity: Why PM Narendra Modi's UDAN scheme is a game changer

New carriers which have won bids to operate flights on these routes can partner with other airlines to offer connecting flight

Here's why it is a game-changer

Tourism

Tourism is one area which has not been given the due attention. Agra and Jaipur witness thousands of foreign tourists every year. However, there is no direct air link between the two cities, making it inconvenient for tourists who have to come back to Delhi to visit Agra.

The situation is similar at other tourist places, if not worse. Despite having an airport, there is hardly any flight landing in Shimla.

Some of the tourist destinations which will now be connected under UDAN scheme include Agra, Shimla, Puducherry, Jaisalmer, Porbandar, Diu, Gwalior, Kullu, Pantnagar, Shillong and Mysore.

Economy

UDAN scheme is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the interiors of the country. Aviation has a multiplier effect on the economy. There will be requirement of security personnel and ground staff for the upkeep of the airports.

Besides helping the middle-class fly for cheaper prices, UDAN will also make it easier for business people to make it to the tier-2 cities. This will give a huge fillip to investments in India's hinterlands.

The routes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCE) are spread out across all corners of the country. New carriers which have won bids to operate flights on these routes can partner with other airlines to offer connecting flights.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Thursday tweeted, "UDAN network will cover the whole country, giving a major economic boost to hinterland areas."

"This will have a positive effect on the economy, in terms of employment and investment," Raju added.

Connectivity

With the help of UDAN, the local connectivity is set to get a major boost. Besides helping people connect with friends and families, the new scheme will also be helpful in getting skilled workforce to smaller towns as they will able to cut short on their travel time and fly back to their home cities after work.