Maharashtra: Rs 3,240 Per Seat Subsidy Cleared for Solapur–Pune–Mumbai Flights Under VGF Scheme
Pune, 13th August 2025: The Maharashtra cabinet has cleared a proposal to provide full viability gap funding (VGF) per seat for one year on the Solapur–Pune–Mumbai air route, mirroring the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity model aimed at making air travel more affordable.
Officials said the scheme will be rolled out for Solapur airport, with the state offering financial support of Rs 3,240 per seat — covering 100% of the VGF — for the first year. The move is expected to significantly reduce ticket prices on these routes.
The funding will go to Star Air for operating flights between Solapur–Mumbai and Solapur–Pune, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 17.97 crore. Once the UDAN scheme is formally implemented at Solapur airport, the state’s full funding will end, and VGF will drop to 20% in line with the Centre’s guidelines.
Authorities say the measure is part of a broader push to improve regional connectivity in areas with limited air services, stimulate local economies, and create more employment opportunities. “This approach not only encourages airline operators to explore underserved destinations but also fuels tourism and regional development,” an official noted.
Currently, a Goa-based carrier operates flights from Solapur airport to Mopa airport on four days of the week — Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
A senior airport official told Punekar News that discussions are ongoing with other private carriers to begin connecting services linking Solapur with Pune and Mumbai. “We are looking at deploying a mid-sized aircraft with about 60 seats for these routes,” the official said.
