Uttarakhand has won the national award for “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem”. The state received it on 29 January 2026 at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad. Notably, the Ministry of Civil Aviation presented the award at Begumpet Airport. Officials of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) received it. So, the honour recognises the state’s work on air links in tough Himalayan terrain.
Who Presented the Aviation Award?
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu presented the award. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha also joined him on stage. Then, UCADA CEO Dr Ashish Chauhan received the award for the state. Moreover, state Civil Aviation Secretary Sachin Kurve and Additional CEO Sanjay Singh Tolia attended the ceremony.
Why Uttarakhand Won the Award
The award recognises steady work on aviation infrastructure and connectivity. For example, helicopter services now reach Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. In addition, new heliports and helipads support these Char Dham routes. Air links also serve border and remote mountain areas. Further, the state upgraded airstrips under the UDAN scheme and promoted heli-tourism. As a result, air services now help disaster response and emergency health care.
What CM Dhami Said
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami credited the award to the people of Uttarakhand and the state team. He also thanked PM Narendra Modi and the Centre for their support. Moreover, he promised a safer, greener and more technology-driven Char Dham Yatra. Finally, he wants Uttarakhand to become a leading aviation and heli-tourism hub.
About Wings India and UDAN
Wings India is Asia’s largest civil aviation event. In 2026, it ran from 28 to 31 January at Begumpet Airport. The Ministry of Civil Aviation organises it with the Airports Authority of India and FICCI. Meanwhile, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme. Its first flight ran between Shimla and Delhi on 27 April 2017.
Wings India 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Award: Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem
- Date: 29 January 2026
- Venue: Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad
- Presented by: Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu
- State agency: Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA)
- Organisers: Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and FICCI
- Linked scheme: UDAN regional connectivity scheme
Why Wings India 2026 Matters for UKPSC
Notably, aviation links tourism, disaster management and border connectivity in Uttarakhand. So, remember the award name, the venue and the role of UCADA. Also, link the award with Char Dham heli-services and UDAN airstrips. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Next, for a related story, read about the Pashulok seaplane trial in Rishikesh. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.