Tamil Nadu Opens Five Unserved Airstrips for Bidding Under UDAN Scheme to Enhance Regional Connectivity
The Indian government is making strides to enhance regional air connectivity by opening five previously unserved airstrips in Tamil Nadu for bidding under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. These airstrips—located in Arakkonam, Chettinad, Cholavaram, Sulur, and Ulundurpet—are now available for airline operators to bid on, with the aim of revitalising these airports and improving regional access across the state.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, made this announcement during a session in the Rajya Sabha, further bolstering the government’s efforts to provide affordable air travel options to underserved areas in Tamil Nadu. The UDAN scheme, which focuses on regional connectivity, allows airlines to assess the feasibility of routes and bid accordingly. The selected airline operators will be tasked with reviving these airstrips, thereby enhancing air travel options for local residents and businesses.
The UDAN scheme has seen significant progress in Tamil Nadu, with several airports already earmarked for Regional Connectivity Services (RCS) flights. Five airports—Salem, Vellore, Neyveli, Tanjore, and Ramnad—have been identified for RCS flights. While Salem has already commenced RCS operations, both Neyveli and Vellore airports have completed their development work and are in the process of obtaining necessary licences. At Ramnad, land acquisition is still underway, while Tanjore is awaiting the construction of a civil enclave by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) once the state government provides the necessary approach road. These updates mark a crucial phase in the government’s commitment to improving air access in the state, especially in smaller cities and towns that have long been underserved by the aviation industry. The UDAN scheme’s market-driven approach allows airlines to assess route feasibility and bid for the routes that offer the best potential for sustainable operations. The expansion of air connectivity through this process is set to play a crucial role in the economic development of Tamil Nadu, allowing smaller cities and towns to benefit from improved air access and connectivity to larger metropolitan areas.
In addition to the revival of existing airstrips, the state is also looking at developing new airports to meet growing aviation demands. One such project is the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport, which has already received Site Clearance approval from the Government of India. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (TIDCO) submitted its application for ‘In-Principle’ approval in September 2024, along with a Detailed Project Report. Once completed, the Parandur airport will further improve connectivity in the region and is expected to complement the state’s ongoing efforts to develop air infrastructure. Under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, TIDCO, along with the state government, will be responsible for key tasks such as land acquisition, funding, and rehabilitation.
These developments in Tamil Nadu are a part of a broader national effort to enhance regional air connectivity across India. The UDAN scheme, in particular, has been instrumental in providing affordable air travel to smaller cities and towns, helping to boost local economies and reduce travel time. As Tamil Nadu continues to expand its air infrastructure, the newly opened airstrips and the ongoing development of major airports like Parandur signal a promising future for the state’s aviation sector. By enhancing access to remote areas, this initiative promises not only to facilitate better air connectivity but also foster greater socio-economic integration within the state and beyond. For the residents of Arakkonam, Chettinad, Cholavaram, Sulur, and Ulundurpet, these developments hold the promise of improved air travel options that can significantly reduce the travel burden and open up new opportunities for business and tourism.
