In a significant move towards bolstering regional connectivity, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually inaugurated a UDAN flight connecting Dehradun and Pithoragarh from New Delhi. The flight, operated by “Fly Big” under the RCS UDAN Scheme, utilizes a 19-seater Twinotter DHC6-400 aircraft and is set to operate three days a week.
Pithoragarh Airport, developed under the UDAN-RCS scheme at a cost of Rs 6.68 Crore, has transformed into a 2B VFR Airport. The new flight, awarded under UDAN 4.2, is expected to contribute to regional connectivity, fostering trade, commerce, and tourism between the two cities.
The flight schedule includes operations on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, covering the distance in just 1 hour, a significant reduction from the previous 11 hours of road travel. This initiative is poised to expand the tourism potential of Pithoragarh and neighboring areas, connecting the eastern regions of Uttarakhand to the capital city of Dehradun.
During the inaugural address, Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the positive impact of the new flight service, emphasizing its role in bridging regional gaps and facilitating quicker, more efficient travel. The flight not only benefits the local populace but also contributes to the overall growth of the region, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
Shri Scindia underscored the achievements under the UDAN scheme in Uttarakhand, stating that 76 routes have been awarded, with 40 operationalized, including the Dehradun-Pithoragarh route. The comprehensive air connectivity plan involves the development of heliports in various locations, with plans to add more in the future.
Acknowledging the infrastructure development, Shri Scindia mentioned the ongoing work on 5 heliports, including Bageshwar, Champawat, Lansdowne, Munsiyari, and Triyogi Narayan Heliports, under UDAN 5.1 Round. He expressed optimism that these projects would further enhance air connectivity in the state.
Highlighting the progress at Dehradun airport, Shri Scindia mentioned the completion of the Interim Terminal Building, with work on the full-fledged building expected to conclude soon. The developed terminal, covering an area of 42,776 square meters, has a significant passenger-handling capacity and has contributed to a substantial increase in flight operations.
Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, MoCA, Govt. of India, and Shri Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary, MoCA, were also present at the inauguration, along with other officials from MoCA. The virtual inauguration marked another milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance air connectivity, accessibility, and infrastructure development across the country.
