Finance Minister Boosts UDAN: 120 New Cities to Get Air Connectivity, Air Map to Transform

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the inclusion of 120 new cities under the UDAN scheme in her budget speech.
• The UDAN scheme aims to make air travel accessible to common people by connecting small towns and remote areas.
• The government plans to create capacity for approximately 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years, transforming regional aviation.
• Expansion includes upgrading infrastructure, runways, terminal facilities, and navigation systems at unused and under-used airstrips.
• Regional connectivity through UDAN is expected to boost tourism, trade, medical travel, local industries, and create new employment opportunities.

Why It Matters: UDAN scheme expands to 120 new cities, aiming to transform India's air map and boost regional connectivity.