The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a subsidy of ₹3,240 per seat on the Solapur-Mumbai and Solapur-Pune air routes. This scheme, with a budget of ₹17.97 crore, will run for one year, after which Solapur Airport will come under the UDAN scheme. Passengers will benefit from affordable air travel.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government approved a proposal on August 13, 2025, to provide a subsidy of ₹3,240 per seat to reduce airfares on the Solapur-Mumbai and Solapur-Pune air routes. The scheme, with a budget of ₹17.97 crore, will run for one year, after which Solapur Airport will come under the central government's UDAN scheme, and the state will provide a 20% fare grant. Star Air will operate flights on these routes. This step will boost air connectivity, tourism, and local employment.
Budget of ₹17.97 Crore Approved
The Maharashtra Cabinet has allocated a budget of ₹17.97 crore for this scheme. The scheme will be implemented for one year, during which the government will provide a subsidy of ₹3,240 per seat. The government's subsidy model is designed along the lines of the central government's UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. This will help airline companies operate on the routes and enable passengers to get tickets at affordable rates.
Star Air to Benefit
Under this scheme, the airline company Star Air, which operates flights on both these routes, will benefit. Through Star Air's services, the people of Solapur will now be able to fly directly to Mumbai and Pune, and that too at a lower cost.
The government has clarified that this scheme will be entirely funded by the state government in the first year. After one year, Solapur Airport will be included under the UDAN scheme. After this, the state government will provide only 20 percent fare grant according to the rules of the UDAN scheme, and the remaining assistance will come from the central government.
What is the UDAN Scheme?
The aim of the UDAN scheme is to connect small cities through air travel. Under this scheme, airline companies are given subsidies, and in return, they have to sell 50 percent of their seats at a fixed rate. Typically, this rate is fixed at around ₹2500 per hour of flight. The remaining seats are sold at the normal market rate.
Facility Also Available on Other Routes in Maharashtra
Affordable flight services are already running on several routes in Maharashtra under the UDAN scheme. These include Mumbai-Nanded, Nashik-Delhi, Nanded-Hyderabad, Kolhapur-Hyderabad, and Kolhapur-Bangalore. The flights started on these routes have not only saved passengers time and money but have also increased local tourism and employment opportunities.
Solapur to Get Direct Benefit
Solapur is an industrial and historically significant city, but until now, air connectivity from here was limited. This scheme will not only benefit business travelers but will also promote tourism in Solapur. After connecting with major cities like Mumbai and Pune, the industry, business, and education sectors here are also expected to gain new momentum.
The Dream of Flying from Small Cities Will Come True
After this decision, it will be like a dream come true for people who dream of air travel in small cities. With affordable tickets, fast travel, and better connectivity, the common passenger will now be able to travel by air easily.
