Lilabari Airport Thrives Under UDAN Scheme in Assam
Lilabari Airport, located in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, has experienced significant growth following the launch of the UDAN scheme. This initiative, aimed at making air travel affordable for smaller towns, has greatly benefited the region.
Passenger and Flight Growth
Vijender Yadav, the Airport Manager and ATC In-charge, shared that the airport has seen an increase of 6,000 passengers this year, bringing the total to over 39,000. Additionally, Lilabari Airport now caters to more than 1,100 flights annually.
Economic and Tourism Boost
The UDAN scheme has not only enhanced regional connectivity but also fostered economic development. It has boosted tourism in Lilabari, reduced travel time, and improved the operational capacity of the airport. The airport has become a crucial regional hub, stimulating economic activities and improving the quality of life through affordable air travel.
Infrastructure Development
The infrastructure of Lilabari Airport is being developed in parallel with these advancements. The airport has increased its terminal seating capacity to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
About the UDAN Scheme
Initiated in October 2016 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme aims to enhance aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities. The government plans to revive and develop 100 unserved and under-served airports, helipads, and water aerodromes by 2024. The scheme is self-financing, with a viability gap funding of Rs 2,355 crore released to selected airline operators for UDAN flights.
Doubts Revealed
Lilabari Airport -: Lilabari Airport is a small airport located in the state of Assam, India. It serves the town of Lilabari and nearby areas, providing air travel services to the people living there.
UDAN Scheme -: UDAN stands for ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’, which means ‘Let the common citizen of the country fly’. It is a government initiative in India to make flying affordable and improve air connectivity to smaller towns and cities.
Assam -: Assam is a state in northeastern India, known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and wildlife. It is one of the seven sister states in the region.
Airport Manager -: An Airport Manager is a person responsible for overseeing the operations and management of an airport. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely for passengers and flights.
Tourism -: Tourism refers to the activity of people traveling to different places for leisure, adventure, or cultural experiences. It helps boost the economy of a region by attracting visitors.
Regional Hub -: A regional hub is an important center for transportation and logistics in a specific area. It connects smaller towns and cities to larger networks, making travel and trade easier.