The revised UDAN scheme has selected the Solapur-Mumbai and Amravati-Pune air routes for Maharashtra, opening the way for proposed two-way flight services that could connect both regional cities more directly with major economic, industrial and educational centres, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said.
The selection covers the Solapur-Mumbai-Solapur and Amravati-Pune-Amravati routes. The proposed services are intended to strengthen regional air connectivity and make travel to Mumbai and Pune easier for residents, businesses, students and other passengers from Solapur and Amravati.
Under the revised UDAN scheme, route selection will be carried out through a challenge-based process. Each state has an opportunity to propose four air routes and two airports. Passenger demand, the importance of regional connectivity and the potential to expand air transport are among the considerations for proposing routes, according to the information shared by Mohol.
Solapur is an important centre for textiles, trade, religious tourism and agriculture-based industries. A direct air connection with Mumbai would provide an additional travel option for traders, entrepreneurs, professionals and residents travelling to the state capital for business and other purposes. The route could also support access to Solapur’s industrial and tourism activities, although the report does not specify an operational start date or airline for the proposed service.
Amravati is a significant educational, commercial and agriculture-linked centre in Vidarbha. Pune, meanwhile, is a major centre for higher education, information technology, industry and employment. A direct Amravati-Pune connection is expected to assist students, parents, entrepreneurs, professionals and people travelling for work between the two cities.
The proposed route would also create a direct link between Vidarbha and western Maharashtra, reducing the need for passengers to depend entirely on longer surface journeys or indirect travel options. The report does not provide details on fares, flight frequency, aircraft type, airport infrastructure requirements or the date on which services may begin.
The next stage will involve the revised UDAN scheme’s challenge-based selection process and related implementation steps. The two routes remain proposed services at this stage, with operational details yet to be announced.
