UDAN scheme takes off: PM inaugurates low-cost flight from Shimla

Narendra Modi also flagged off the inaugural UDAN flights on Nanded-Hyderabad and Kadapa-Hyderabad sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated UDAN flights under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik or UDAN was flagged off the Alliance Airlines flight on Shimla-Delhi sector from Jubbar Hatti airport near Shimla on Thursday.

"The aviation sector in India is filled with opportunities. Earlier aviation was considered to be the domain of a select few. That has changed now. We had the opportunity to frame a civil aviation policy, which caters to aspirations of the people of India," the Prime Minister said. He added that the scheme would boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities are becoming growth engines. If aviation connectivity is enhanced in these places, it will be beneficial: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 27, 2017

The PM also flagged off the inaugural UDAN flights on Nanded-Hyderabad and Kadapa-Hyderabad sectors. State Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Union Health & Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju among others were present.

ANI reported that after launching UDAN and laying the foundation stone of Bilaspur Hydro Engineering College, the prime minister will leave for Ridge Maidan to address the public meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The state BJP has made elaborate arrangements for the meeting, which has been named as Parivartan Rally. Large LCD screens have been set up at different locations so that people can see and listen to the prime minister's speech.

This is his first visit to Shimla after becoming the prime minister.

OneIndia News