Connecting India's Hidden Coasts
For years, exploring India's vast 7,500-kilometre coastline often meant choosing between the usual suspects like Goa and Kerala or embarking on a long, arduous road or rail trip. Many stunning, serene beaches remained just out of reach for a quick getaway.
This is where the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme is making a significant difference. Launched to enhance regional air connectivity, the scheme is now increasingly focused on boosting tourism by connecting remote and underserved areas, including idyllic islands and coastal regions. By reviving smaller airports and subsidising flights on new routes, UDAN is unlocking a treasure trove of offbeat beach destinations. The government's recent push, under a 'Modified UDAN' framework approved in March 2026, includes plans to develop 100 new airports over the next decade, with a specific focus on island territories and last-mile connectivity. This means your dream of swapping city noise for the sound of waves is becoming easier and more affordable than ever.
Lakshadweep: India's Coral Paradise, Now Closer
The turquoise lagoons and coral reefs of Lakshadweep were once a distant dream, accessible only by a long sea voyage or a single, often overbooked, flight to Agatti island. The UDAN scheme is set to change this dramatically. Under UDAN 5.0, several new routes to Agatti Airport have been awarded, significantly improving access. For instance, Fly91 commenced flights between Goa and Agatti in April 2024, while IndiGo has also started new services connecting Agatti with Bengaluru. This has slashed travel time and opened up the archipelago to more travellers. Furthermore, trials for seaplane services connecting Kochi with islands like Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Agatti began in May 2026. If regularised under UDAN, these services could offer an even faster and more direct way to reach the pristine, less-frequented islands within the union territory, making an escape to this coral paradise a much more feasible plan.
Puducherry: The French Riviera of the East
With its charming French Quarter, colourful colonial villas, and serene spiritual aura, Puducherry has always been a popular road trip destination from Chennai and Bengaluru. However, direct flight connectivity was often inconsistent. The UDAN scheme has played a crucial role in stabilising and expanding air access to this coastal Union Territory. SpiceJet was one of the early operators to connect Puducherry with Hyderabad under the scheme. While services have seen interruptions, the framework of UDAN continues to encourage airlines to operate on such regional routes. The availability of direct flights transforms Puducherry from a destination requiring a full day of travel into an easy weekend break, allowing visitors more time to explore its unique Franco-Tamil culture, stroll along the Promenade Beach, and discover the spiritual enclave of Auroville.
Gokarna, Karnataka: Goa's Calmer Cousin
Known for its laid-back vibe, sacred temples, and beautiful beaches like Om and Kudle, Gokarna has long been considered a quieter alternative to Goa. Traditionally, reaching it involved a flight to Goa's Dabolim airport followed by a scenic but lengthy 140-km drive. The UDAN scheme aims to reduce such travel legs by improving connectivity to nearby regional airports. While Gokarna doesn't have its own airport, enhanced connectivity to nearby hubs under the regional scheme makes the journey smoother. As the government continues to expand its network of regional airports, destinations like Gokarna stand to benefit immensely, potentially getting their own direct air links in the future and making these tranquil shores even more accessible for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Tarkarli, Maharashtra: A Scuba Diver's Haven
Home to some of the clearest waters on the Maharashtrian coast, Tarkarli is a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving, boasting rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The primary gateway to this region is the Sindhudurg Airport (also known as Chipi Airport), which was developed to boost tourism in the Konkan region. Flights connecting Sindhudurg to major cities like Mumbai fall under the ambit of the regional connectivity scheme's goals. By making it possible to fly directly to the Konkan coast, travellers can bypass the long drive and spend more time exploring the historic Sindhudurg Fort, relaxing on the pristine beaches, and diving into the aquatic wonders that Tarkarli has to offer.
