Flights to Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Kochi, Kannur planned under revised UDAN scheme, says Puducherry CM

A view of the Puducherry Airport. File Flight services connecting Puducherry and destinations such as Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Kochi and Kannur are being planned under the Central government’s modified UDAN scheme, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said on Sunday (November 1, 2026). Speaking at Puducherry’s Liberation Day celebrations on the Beach Promenade after hoisting the national flag, the Chief Minister said a tripartite agreement has been reached between the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India and the Puducherry government in September to improve air connectivity from the Puducherry Airport. Steps are being taken to operate flights from Puducherry to new destinations under the revised UDAN scheme. The new services would strengthen regional connectivity, boost tourism, and the economy of Puducherry, he added.The Union Ministry of Tourism has introduced the “One State — One Global Tourist Destination” scheme, with an allocation of ₹ 500 crore to develop 50 selected tourist destinations to world standards. Steps have been taken to include Puducherry under the scheme, and a detailed project report has been prepared and submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism, the Chief Minister said. With the objective of encouraging industrial growth in Puducherry, creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs and to create employment opportunities for youth, the Puducherry administration has taken several measures. To enable industries and entrepreneurs to carry out their business easily, a Business Reforms Handbook for industries and entrepreneurs has been released recently, he said.The government recently notified the Puducherry Business Reforms Bill after getting Presidential assent last month for the legislation passed by the Assembly. The main objective of the Act was to improve the industrial and business environment based on the principles of transparency, a rule/risk based approach, and minimum government interference, the Chief Minister said.Mr Rangasamy said ensuring the social and economic advancement of women is one of the Government’s key policies. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, more than 4, 952 self-help groups have been formed in the rural areas of Puducherry, bringing together more than 54, 791 families. In the current financial year, a target has been set to provide Community Investment Fund to 500 self-help groups; so far 250 groups have started their livelihood activities, and ₹ 3. 75 crore has been released for this purpose, he added.Likewise, Revolving Fund is being provided to strengthen the financial stability of self-help groups. So far, 323 self-help groups have benefited from Revolving Fund worth ₹96. 90 lakh.PSDRF constitutedTo protect lives and property during disasters, the Puducherry State Disaster Response Force has been constituted with 70 personnel. In the first phase, 35 personnel have been given special training at the National Disaster Response Force Training Centre at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu. A hazard map was being prepared with the support of Vellore Institute of Technology to identify disaster prone areas in Puducherry and Karaikal regions. Preparing such a map would help in taking preventive measures, he said. After the Liberation Day address by the Chief Minister, an impressive parade was held on the Beach Road. The day is celebrated to mark Puducherry’s complete liberation from French rule in 1954. Celebrations are held in UT’s enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Pro-tem Speaker A. Anbalagan, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan, Director General of Police Shalini Singh, legislators and senior officials attended the celebrations. Published - November 01, 2026 02:40 pm IST