Aircraft takeoff initiative, UDAN-II, debuts nationwide from Jubbarhatti airport
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, in its second phase (UDAN-II), is a significant regional air connectivity initiative by the Government of India. Its launch in Himachal Pradesh is expected to have far-reaching implications for both the tourism sector and broader economic growth in the state.
### Tourism Sector Enhancement
The expansion of airport and heliport infrastructure under UDAN-II is set to make Himachal Pradesh more accessible, particularly for domestic and intra-state travelers. The state government is urging the sanctioning of multiple new heliports (Jaskot, Dehra, Una, Bilaspur) and seeking operational authorization for existing ones, which would significantly boost intra-state connectivity and facilitate tourism to even the remotest parts of the Himalayan region.
Improved connectivity may help divert tourist footfall from overburdened destinations like Shimla and Manali to lesser-known, offbeat locations. This could encourage slow, experiential tourism, reduce crowding at traditional hotspots, and spread economic benefits more evenly across the state.
Helicopter services under UDAN-II, including those offered by operators like Heritage Aviation, are especially valuable for pilgrimage tourism—connecting devotees to sacred sites that are otherwise difficult to access. These services also cater to adventure and recreational tourism, further diversifying the state's tourism portfolio.
The introduction of night landing facilities, extended operational hours, and improved airport infrastructure (such as a second apron at Shimla Airport) are expected to increase flight frequency and flexibility, making travel more convenient for tourists and encouraging repeat visits. The state government’s focus on enhanced security at airports and heliports, including the deployment of state police, is likely to boost traveler confidence, a key factor for attracting tourists in the post-pandemic era.
### Economic Growth Multipliers
The expansion of air connectivity and tourism infrastructure under UDAN-II is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities—ranging from aviation personnel, hospitality staff, and tour operators to artisans and local businesses catering to tourists.
Improved connectivity often leads to more equitable regional development. By making remote and less-frequented areas accessible, UDAN-II could catalyze local entrepreneurship, encourage homestays, and promote indigenous culture, thus fostering inclusive economic growth.
Enhanced infrastructure and government backing through schemes like UDAN make Himachal Pradesh more attractive for both domestic and foreign investors in tourism, hospitality, and allied sectors. The increased availability of flight options, especially helicopters, enables high-value tourism segments such as luxury, wellness, and business tourism, which tend to have a higher per-capita spend and can substantially boost the local economy.
### Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of UDAN-II are numerous, it is important to address potential challenges. Increased tourism and air traffic must be balanced with sustainable development policies to preserve Himachal’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Timely completion and integration with road and rail networks are essential for maximizing the scheme’s impact. While new airports and heliports are being proposed, ensuring their timely completion and seamless integration with existing infrastructure is crucial.
Affordability is another key issue. While the scheme aims to make air travel affordable for a larger segment of the population, actual pricing of non-subsidized routes and sustainability of operations post-subsidy remain key issues to monitor.
### Conclusion
UDAN-II is poised to significantly transform tourism and economic growth in Himachal Pradesh by making the state more accessible, promoting offbeat and experiential tourism, and catalyzing inclusive regional development. However, realizing its full potential will require coordinated efforts between the central and state governments, private operators, and local communities to ensure sustainable and balanced growth.
The expansion of infrastructure for air travel and tourism under UDAN-II is likely to create job opportunities across various sectors in Himachal Pradesh, including finance, business, and aerospace, as new domestic and foreign investors become attracted to the region. This growth may also lead to an increase in industry related to tourism such as hospitality, catering, and transportation.
In addition to economic growth, the increased connectivity offered by UDAN-II may have broader implications for the state's finance sector by increasing access to financial services in remote areas, boosting local businesses, and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the expansion of air travel and tourism infrastructure may open up new business opportunities for aerospace companies in the region for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft, as well as the production of components.
