PM Narendra Modi’s yet another niftily acronymed scheme, UDAN – short for Ude ‘Desh Ka Aam Naagrik’ and otherwise called ‘Regional Connectivity Scheme’ in officialese – got off to a flying start on Thursday. Modi formally launched a flight from Shimla to Delhi, and also via video link flights from Nanded and Kadapa Airports.

Addressing a gathering at Shimla airport, Modi spoke about the ambitions of UDAN. He said the lives of the middle class are being transformed, and their aspirations are rising. Given the right chance, they can do wonders, according to the official press release. He added that the aviation sector in India is filled with opportunity. Aviation was once considered the domain of a select few, but that has changed now. The new civil aviation policy marks an opportunity to cater to the aspirations of the people of India.

He said tier-2 and tier-3 cities are becoming growth engines, and enhanced aviation connectivity between them will be beneficial. He said the UDAN scheme will help the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh (which incidentally will be going to assembly polls soon).

UDAN makes air travel accessible to a wider range of citizens & enhances connectivity with many more airports across India. pic.twitter.com/X2wVIq6130

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 27, 2017

Notwithstanding the prime minister’s logic, UDAN will face several challenges.

For more, read: Rough weather ahead for UDAN