NEW DELHI, April 16 -- A parliamentary panel has recommended that the government assess profitability before disbursing Rs.28,840 crore over 10 years on Udan, the regional air connectivity scheme.

Udan, an acronym for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik, was launched in October 2016 and meant to make flying affordable for the masses, connecting smaller cities and towns with the national air network. Government subsidies are provided to airlines operating on these otherwise unviable routes, on flight tickets and to build infrastructure.

New Delhi has spent Rs.9,000 crore from 2016 to January 2026 on Udan. The amount proposed to be set aside for the Modified Udan has been tripled to deepen regional connectivity and expand inclusive air access across ...