Launch of UDAN-II initiative from Jubbarhatti Airport for the country
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, launched the UDAN-II scheme on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the development of Himachal Pradesh. As part of the scheme, a new flight service from Shimla to Chandigarh was inaugurated at Jubbarhatti airport, near Shimla.
The Shimla flight under UDAN-II will operate three days a week initially, with an increase to six flights a week after two weeks. The one-way fare for this flight is Rs. 2280. The flight is scheduled to take off from Chandigarh at 10 A.M, reach Shimla at 10.30 A.M, and return to Chandigarh at 11.25 A.M.
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, focusing on connecting smaller cities and difficult terrains. For Shimla and other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, this scheme enables faster and safer travel options, including helicopter services that overcome road inaccessibility issues.
The improved air connectivity under UDAN is expected to give a significant boost to tourism development in Shimla. The reduced travel time and increased convenience will encourage more tourists to visit this popular destination, aligning with government efforts to develop tourist circuits and improve tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
Enhanced air connectivity under UDAN also supports local economies by increasing tourist footfall, generating employment, and fostering business opportunities linked to hospitality, transportation, and ancillary services. It promotes religious and cultural tourism, which is significant in the region.
Moreover, the inclusion of helicopter services under UDAN enhances emergency medical response in the region, which is vital for hills prone to natural disasters and accidents. This indirectly supports tourism by ensuring safer travel.
The UDAN-II scheme is part of broader government initiatives to strengthen civil aviation infrastructure in northern India, including developing heliports and expanding routes, with strong collaboration between the Centre and states like Himachal Pradesh. The state government, under Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, is making progress and striving for prosperity.
In conclusion, UDAN-II has contributed to the economic development of Shimla by boosting tourism through improved air connectivity, enabling faster and safer travel for tourists and pilgrims alike, enhancing emergency medical services, and supporting regional infrastructure growth—all of which contribute to Shimla's appeal and economic vitality.
The launch of the UDAN-II scheme's Shimla flight provides an opportunity for those seeking a change in their lifestyle, as affordable travel options will encourage more tourists to visit Shimla and experience the region's scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, the inclusion of helicopter services under this scheme will cater to sports enthusiasts by improving emergency medical response and ensuring safer travel for adventure lovers exploring the hills of Himachal Pradesh.
