UDAN-Enhancing Regional Connectivity (Operationalised 669 routes, 95 airports, 3.50 Lakh flights have served 1.66 Crore passengers), Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The UDAN scheme has operationalized 669 routes, connecting 95 airports across India.
• A total of 3.50 lakh flights have been conducted under the scheme.
• These flights have served 1.66 crore passengers, significantly enhancing regional air connectivity.
• The scheme, formally known as Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik, aims to make air travel affordable and accessible for common citizens.

Detailed Insights:

• The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN was launched on October 21, 2016, under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016.
• Its primary objective is to stimulate regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and accessible in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
• The scheme provides financial support to airlines through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to operate on commercially unviable regional routes.
• Airfares are capped at approximately ₹2,500 for 50% of the seats on a one-hour flight to ensure affordability.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) serves as the implementing agency for the scheme.
• UDAN has led to the revival and upgrade of numerous unserved and underserved airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.
• Recent advancements, including the UDAN 5.0 series, have focused on removing distance caps and boosting helicopter and small aircraft connectivity.
• The government has approved the extension of the Modified UDAN scheme for ten years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.

Key Concepts Involved:

• UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik): A flagship government scheme to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS): The broader framework under which the UDAN initiative operates, focusing on connecting underserved regions.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Financial assistance provided by the government to airlines to cover operational losses on specific routes, ensuring their commercial viability.
• National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016: The overarching policy document that conceptualized and provided the framework for the UDAN scheme.