Mumbai cabinet approves funding for Solapur Pune Mumbai regional flight service
In a bid to improve regional air connectivity and make short-haul travel more affordable, the Maharashtra government has approved a one-year viability gap funding scheme for the Mumbai–Solapur–Pune air route. The move, aimed at enhancing accessibility for smaller cities, mirrors the central government’s UDAN initiative and promises passengers significantly lower ticket prices.
According to senior state officials, the scheme will provide ₹3,240 per seat in full viability gap funding (VGF) for the next 12 months until the UDAN framework is formally implemented at Solapur Airport. This temporary measure, costing the exchequer ₹17.97 crore, will cover flights operated by the designated airline, ensuring that the fare burden on travellers remains minimal during the initial operational phase.
Once UDAN provisions are in place, the subsidy will be reduced to 20% in line with the national model, with the remainder being supported by central funds. Authorities emphasised that this intervention is not just about affordable tickets but about fostering economic activity, promoting tourism, and creating jobs in under-served regions. The Solapur–Mumbai–Pune route has long been seen as a critical link for business travellers, pilgrims, and tourists. The absence of regular flights has forced many passengers to rely on road and rail, extending travel times and limiting economic opportunities. By shortening travel to under an hour between these destinations, the initiative is expected to stimulate local commerce and improve logistical efficiency for industries in the region.
Officials highlighted that similar efforts under UDAN since its launch in 2016 have activated over 600 new flight routes and 71 airports, connecting remote areas to larger urban centres. The scheme has demonstrated measurable benefits, from improving healthcare access in smaller towns to enabling faster business connectivity and drawing more tourists to heritage locations. Industry analysts believe the Maharashtra government’s step could serve as a model for other states with struggling regional airports. They note that viability gap funding, when strategically deployed, can bridge the gap between operational costs and ticket affordability, making routes financially sustainable in the long run.
However, experts also caution that long-term success will depend on sustaining passenger demand and ensuring operational efficiency once subsidies are scaled back. Environmental advocates have urged that such expansion in air travel must be accompanied by measures to offset carbon emissions, aligning with India’s net-zero ambitions. For now, the move offers a tangible relief for passengers and a boost for Solapur’s connectivity, with the first flights under the scheme expected to begin shortly. If executed effectively, the initiative could reshape how regional aviation is developed across India.
