Only 2 of 4 UDAN Routes Operational in Jammu Kashmir, One Shut Before Tenure | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Just two of the four regional air connectivity routes awarded to Jammu and Kashmir under the UDAN scheme are currently operational, while one route has already been discontinued before completing its mandatory three-year tenure, according to official data tabled in the Lok Sabha, raising questions over the viability and sustainability of regional aviation links in the Union Territory.

In a written reply on the status of routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme–Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir was awarded four UDAN routes, of which only two have been operationalised so far. One route was discontinued prematurely, while the remaining awarded route is yet to translate into sustained operations. The ministry attributed such discontinuations nationally to factors including aircraft shortages, maintenance issues, low passenger demand and operational disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compared with several hill and northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir’s UDAN footprint remains modest. Himachal Pradesh, for instance, was awarded 47 routes, with 23 operational, while Uttarakhand received 81 routes, of which 60 are operational, despite facing similar terrain and weather-related constraints. Even within the broader Himalayan region, Jammu and Kashmir’s operational conversion rate under UDAN lags behind.

At the national level, the data show uneven outcomes across states and Union Territories. Uttar Pradesh leads with 96 awarded routes, but also records 20 premature discontinuations, highlighting that higher allocation does not necessarily translate into long-term operational success. Assam, a key focus area for regional connectivity, has 59 awarded routes, with 36 operational and 12 discontinued early. In contrast, states such as Kerala and Goa have reported no premature closures so far.

The ministry acknowledged that fourteen airports across the country are currently non-operational under UDAN, owing to reasons ranging from the end of the three-year concession period and poor visibility conditions to aircraft leasing issues and low passenger load factors. While Jammu and Kashmir was not individually named among these non-operational airports, officials noted that weather-related visibility constraints and limited daylight runway operations at certain airports remain systemic challenges in mountainous regions.

To address such gaps, the government said it continues to provide viability gap funding to airlines, supports upgradation of regional airports and allows flexibility in operations. Discontinued routes, the ministry added, are often rebid and re-awarded in subsequent rounds of the scheme. Measures such as adoption of Instrument Flight Rules and special visual flight protocols are also being encouraged to improve all-weather operability where feasible.