Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Yojana is a government scheme that makes air travel affordable and easy for all Indian citizens while boosting regional connectivity and tourism in Uttarakhand through subsidized helicopter services. The scheme is being run by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) with support from the central government's Regional Connectivity Scheme.
Helicopter services under this scheme now connect many towns across the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, including Dehradun, Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora, Haldwani, Pithoragarh and Munsiyari. New routes keep being added, and the latest services on the Pithoragarh-Munsiyari and Haldwani-Almora routes were launched in October 2025 at a fixed fare of ₹2,500 per person.
Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Yojana
Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Yojana is implemented by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority to improve connectivity across the state. This scheme helps common citizens travel easily by providing air services at subsidized rates. By focusing on important travel routes, the scheme promotes tourism and economic growth throughout the region.
Under the central UDAN scheme, the Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN in March 2026 with a budget of ₹28,840 crore for the period 2026-2036. This keeps regional air connectivity a national priority and supports state-level helicopter services like the ones in Uttarakhand.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Yojana |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Travel and Tourism |
| Benefit Type | Subsidized Travel |
| Nodal Department | Civil Aviation Department |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) |
| Operators | Pawan Hans, Heritage Aviation |
| Official Website | ucada.in |
Benefits
This scheme provides helicopter services on specific routes at government-fixed rates to make sure everyone can travel at an affordable price. The fare for the newly launched routes such as Pithoragarh-Munsiyari and Haldwani-Almora is fixed at ₹2,500 per person for a one-way trip. Below are the one-way fares for some of the other routes:
| Route | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|
| Dehradun to Tehri | 3,437 |
| Tehri to Srinagar | 3,437 |
| Srinagar to Gauchar | 3,437 |
| Gauchar to Srinagar | 3,437 |
| Srinagar to Tehri | 3,437 |
| Tehri to Dehradun | 3,437 |
| Dehradun to Srinagar | 3,992 |
| Srinagar to Dehradun | 3,992 |
| Dehradun to Gauchar | 3,649 |
| Gauchar to Dehradun | 3,649 |
| Sahastradhara to Gauchar | 4,150 |
| Gauchar to Sahastradhara | 4,150 |
| Sahastradhara to Chinyalisound | 3,150 |
| Chinyalisound to Sahastradhara | 3,150 |
| Dehradun to Haldwani / Pantnagar | 6,281 |
| Haldwani / Pantnagar to Dehradun | 6,281 |
| Pantnagar to Pithoragarh | 5,111 |
| Pithoragarh to Pantnagar | 5,111 |
| Pantnagar to Almora | 3,356 |
| Almora to Pantnagar | 3,356 |
| Almora to Pithoragarh | 3,356 |
| Pithoragarh to Almora | 3,356 |
Eligibility
You are eligible to benefit from this scheme if you are an Indian citizen. There is no separate registration needed to use the helicopter services, and you can simply book a seat on the route you want to travel.
Application Process
To book your seat, you can use the online booking portal or visit the local helipad office. For a quick online booking, follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official booking portal of the operator. For Pawan Hans services, go to Pawan Hans booking portal, and for Heritage Aviation services, visit Heritage Aviation booking portal.
STEP 2 - Select your desired route and date of travel from the available options.
STEP 3 - Enter your personal details, including your Aadhaar card number and a valid mobile number.
STEP 4 - Complete the payment of the fare online to confirm your booking. You will get a confirmation with the details of your flight.
You should visit UCADA official website to stay updated with the latest route schedules, fares and official announcements.
Documents
When booking your ticket, you should keep the following required documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card for identity verification.
- Active mobile number for receiving booking updates and notifications.
- A government-issued photo ID for travel on the day of the flight.
References
Daily Jagran news on new helicopter routes launched in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority official website
FAQ's
Who can avail the benefits under this scheme?
Every Indian citizen is eligible to use these subsidized helicopter services provided by the state authorities.
What types of services are covered under this scheme?
This scheme offers helicopter transportation on selected, pre-defined routes within Uttarakhand to help you travel faster and more affordably.
How can I book a ticket under Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Yojana?
You can book your tickets through the operator's official website, such as Pawan Hans booking portal or Heritage Aviation booking portal, or by approaching the ticket counter at the respective helipads.
What details are required for online booking?
You should have your Aadhaar card details and a valid mobile number handy to register and pay for your flight.
Can I check updated fares and routes?
Yes, you should regularly visit the official UCADA website at UCADA official website for the most recent information regarding fares, routes, and operational status.