Airports Inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh under UDAN Scheme

• 03 Jun 2025

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Satna Airport and the upgraded Datia Airport in Madhya Pradesh, taking a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity and advancing infrastructure development under the UDAN scheme.

Key Points 

• Satna Airport:  
  • Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of Rs 36.96 crore, Satna Airport is set to become a key regional hub in northeast Madhya Pradesh. 
    • The airport will enhance connectivity to prominent destinations such as Chitrakoot and Maihar, strengthening both cultural and industrial linkages. 
  • Key features include a recarpeted runway, parking bays for Dornier-228 aircraft, an ATC tower, and a fire station. 
    • Sustainable features include 100% LED lighting, solar-powered streetlights, and a treated water reuse system for horticulture. 
• Datia Airport:  
  • The upgraded Datia Airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 60.63 crore, connecting this historic town to the national aviation grid. 
    • Datia, known for landmarks like Peetambara Peeth and the Datia Palace, stands to gain from increased religious and cultural tourism. 
  • The airport is currently suitable for ATR-72 aircraft and is being prepared for future operations of Airbus A-320 aircraft. 
  • Infrastructure includes a recarpeted runway, apron bays, an ATC tower, and firefighting services, along with rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting systems. 
• Driving Socio-Economic Transformation: 
  • The operationalisation of both airports will boost economic activity, create employment, and improve access to key services in the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions. 
  • These projects reflect the Centre’s focus on inclusive growth under the UDAN scheme, making affordable air travel a reality for underserved regions. 

UDAN Scheme  

• About:  
  • UDAN aims to democratize aviation and enhance regional connectivity, ensuring that even remote regions of the country are accessible by air.  
  • The scheme was designed under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, with a focus on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through a market-driven yet financially supported model.  
    • The Airports Authority of India (AAI) serves as the nodal agency responsible for its implementation.  
• Key Features of UDAN Scheme:  
  • Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Financial support to airlines to ensure affordable fares.   
    • Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) was created to meet the viability gap funding requirements under the scheme.   
  • Airfare Cap to ensure affordability.  
  • Reduced taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and other concessions to airlines to make operations viable on regional routes.  
  • Collaborative Governance between the Centre, States, the AAI, and private airport operators. 
• Key Innovations under UDAN:  
  • UDAN Yatri Cafes: Affordable Yatri Cafes have been launched at Kolkata and Chennai airports, offering quality food at accessible prices.  
  • Krishi UDAN Scheme: Designed to support farmers and improve value realisation for agri-produce, Krishi UDAN facilitates timely and cost-effective air logistics, particularly from Northeast, hilly, and tribal regions.  
  • Lifeline Udan was launched to transport essential medical cargo to remote areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Airports Authority of India (AAI) 

• The AAI is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation.  
• It was formed in 1995, by merging the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India. 
• It also provides Air Traffic Management Services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas.  
• The functions of AAI include airport development, airspace control, passenger and cargo terminal management, and provision of communication and navigation aids. 
• AAI provides air navigation services over 2.8 million square nautical miles of air space. 

Pitambara Peeth  

• Pitambara Peeth is a Hindu temple complex which also includes an ashram, located in Datia city of Madhya Pradesh.  
• The Shri Vankhandeshwar Shivalinga located here is believed to be from the Mahabharata period. This temple is one of the major centers of Shakti Sadhana.  
• The Peetha was established in 1935 by Swamiji Maharaj with the cooperation of Raja Shatrujit Singh Bundela of Datia.