Context:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated three new airports, marking  the 8^th Anniversary of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN , including Saharanpur, Rewa and Ambikapur. 

About RCS-UDAN ((Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme:

• Launched:  October 21, 2016. 
• It is a vital component of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
• UDAN aims to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports across India, making air travel affordable for the masses. 
• It has successfully facilitated air travel for over 1.44 crore passengers through 601 operationalized routes.
• It has doubled operational airports from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with ambitious plans to reach 350-400 airports by 2047. 
• It has operationalized 86 aerodromes, including 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes.

Various versions of the UDAN Scheme were launched, as follows:

• UDAN 1.0: The inaugural version awarded 128 flight routes to five airlines, connecting 70 airports, including 36 newly operational facilities. This laid the foundation for regional air connectivity.
• UDAN 2.0: Expanded the scope to include 73 underserved and unserved airports and, for the first time, incorporated helipads into the network, enhancing last-mile connectivity.
• UDAN 3.0: Introduced tourism routes in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, while also integrating seaplanes for water aerodrome connectivity and expanding routes in the Northeast region.
• UDAN 4.0: Prioritized connectivity in North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands, with comprehensive integration of helicopter and seaplane operations.
• UDAN 5.0 Series: The latest iterations (5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 & 5.4) focus on larger aircraft categories, removed distance restrictions, and enhanced helicopter operations in remote areas.

Impact of RCS-UDAN:

Market-Driven Approach: 

• UDAN operates on a market-driven model where airlines assess demand and submit proposals during bidding rounds. 
• The government supports airlines through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and various concessions to encourage connections to underserved regions.

Revival of the Aviation Industry: 

• Over 601 routes have been operationalized, connecting 71 airports, with significant increases in passenger traffic.
• The scheme has led to the emergence of new regional airlines such as Flybig and Star Air, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for regional air travel.
• Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 new aircraft, enhancing the existing fleet significantly.

Promoting Tourism: 

• Initiatives like UDAN 3.0 and UDAN 5.1 target tourism routes and helicopter services in hilly areas, respectively.
• Destinations such as Khajuraho and Agatti Island have become more accessible, promoting religious and eco-tourism.

Boosting air Connectivity:

• RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across the country
• It has operationalized 86 aerodromes, including ten in the Northeast region, facilitating travel across challenging terrains.
• Airports like Darbhanga and Jharsuguda have seen significant passenger growth since their revival under UDAN.