Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates Dehradun–Pithoragarh Air Service Under UDAN

In a significant boost to regional connectivity in the Himalayan state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the Dehradun–Pithoragarh–Dehradun air service at Jolly Grant Airport.

The flight, operated by Alliance Air, will deploy a 42-seater aircraft, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities to approximately one hour.

A Major Leap in Regional Connectivity

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted that the launch coincides with the auspicious festival of Ram Navami, making it even more meaningful for the people of the state.

He emphasized that the new service is not only a convenience but also strategically important, especially for border areas like Pithoragarh.

UDAN Scheme Transforming Air Travel

Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for revolutionizing India’s aviation sector through the UDAN Scheme, launched in 2016.

The scheme has made air travel affordable and accessible, enabling even common citizens to fly—something once considered a luxury.

He also noted that the Centre recently approved UDAN 2.0, which aims to:

• Develop 100 new airports
• Build 200 new helipads
• Invest around ₹29,000 crore over the next decade

This expansion focuses on Tier-2, Tier-3, and remote regions.

Air Services: A Lifeline for Uttarakhand

For a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, air connectivity has evolved into a critical lifeline.

The Chief Minister noted:

• 26 air routes are operational under UDAN in the state
• Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme (2023) is enhancing access to remote areas
• Heliports increased from 2 to 12 in four years
• Helipads expanded from 60 to 118

Air services are playing a crucial role in:

• Emergency medical evacuations
• Delivery of essential supplies
• Boosting tourism and economic growth

Uttarakhand has also received national recognition as the “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.”

Boost to Border Economy and Infrastructure

The new route will significantly benefit the remote district of Pithoragarh, improving accessibility and economic prospects.

The Chief Minister added that:

• A helicopter service between Pithoragarh and Munsyari is already operational
• The government is investing ₹450 crore to develop Naini Saini Airport
• An MoU has been signed between the Airports Authority of India and the state government for its acquisition and expansion

Centre’s Support for Aviation Growth

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, in a video message, congratulated the state and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure in Uttarakhand.