According to Government data, in 2014, there were 74 operational airports in India. Air connectivity was confined to metros or a few developed cities earlier. No doubt, the pandemic has slowed down the developments to some extent. But, if we observe, the scenario is different now as the air network and airports are expanding rapidly. Name a notable place, and you will have at least a regional airline catering to the travel demands of that location. From Dreamliners and ATRs, passengers are flying in them all. All this wouldn't have been possible without UDAN.
The current 141 operational airports in India are a testimony of the same. With the UDAN scheme in force, the airports in operation have significantly increased from 74 in 2014 to 141 at present.
RCS or UDAN has completed 5 years of Success:
Ministry of Civil Aviation’s flagship program Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) has completed 5 years of success since the launch of its first flight by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 27th April 2017. The scheme was initiated on 21st October 2016 to fulfil the aspirations of the common citizen by following the vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’, with enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.
More than 1 Crore Passengers availed the benefits of Scheme:
68 underserved/unserved destinations which include 58 Airports, 8 Heliports & 2 Water Aerodromes have been connected under the UDAN scheme. With 425 new routes initiated under the scheme, UDAN has provided air connectivity to more than 29 States/ UTs across the length and breadth of the country. More than 1 crore passengers have availed the benefits of this scheme as on 4th August 2022. The scheme has also provided a much-needed platform for the regional carriers to scale up their operations.
The Target for 2026:
220 destinations (airports/heliports/ water aerodromes) under UDAN are targeted to be completed by 2026 with 1000 routes to provide air connectivity to unconnected destinations in the country. Under UDAN, 954 routes have already been awarded to connect 156 airports.
Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia says, “The Success of RCS UDAN is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’. It has played a great role in the transformation of Indian aviation industry. So far under this scheme, we have 425 routes aiming to go up to 1000 routes, 68 new airports aiming to touch 100 airports. In next 4 years we are expecting 40 crore travellers through Civil Aviation in India. That day is not far when along with rail transport and road transport Civil Aviation will become the bulwark of the transportation in India.”
The Sector Helps itself to Grow and Develop Under RCS- UDAN:
RCS-UDAN was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)-2016, and it was planned to remain in force for a period of 10 years. It has a self-financing mechanism with the development of the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF). Under this Scheme, RCF was created, which funds the VGF requirements of the scheme through a levy on certain domestic flights. This way, funds generated from the sector themselves stimulate the growth and development of the sector.
UDAN has benefitted multiple Stakeholders:
UDAN Scheme has benefitted a diverse set of stakeholders. Passengers have got the benefits of air connectivity, airlines have received concessions for operating regional routes, and unserved regions have received the direct and indirect benefits of air connectivity for their economic development.
UDAN created a framework based on the need and led to the formulation of:
- Lifeline UDAN (for transportation of medical cargo during the pandemic).
- Krishi UDAN (value realization of agriculture products especially in Northeastern Region {NER} and tribal districts).
- International UDAN routes for NER to explore International Connectivity from/to Guwahati and Imphal.
Lifeline UDAN - Lifeline UDAN initiative commenced in March 2020 during the COVID-19 period and it helped to operate 588 flights transporting almost 1000 Tonnes of voluminous cargo and essential medical services to various parts of the country.
RCS-UDAN was awarded Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration under Innovation Category for the year 2020. Republic Day Tableau for 26th January 2022 on UDAN was adjudged as the Best Tableau by the Ministry of Defence.
