The Indian government has launched the fifth round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as Udan, aimed at improving connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said that Udan has proven to be a lifeline for many regions, connecting them with places across the country. The new and improved version of the scheme will further enhance the momentum, connecting new routes and bringing the government closer to the target of operationalizing 1,000 routes and 50 additional airports, heliports and water aerodromes in near future.
The scheme was launched in 2016 as a part of the government’s efforts to boost regional connectivity. The scheme provides financial incentives to airlines to operate flights to remote and underdeveloped areas of the country, where air travel is currently not economically viable. The scheme also aims to make air travel affordable for the common man by capping fares at INR 2,500Â per hour of flight.
Since its launch, Udan has successfully improved connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country. The scheme has helped to revive several airports that were lying idle and has also created new jobs in the aviation sector.
Under the fifth round, the government plans to connect more underserved and unserved airports nationwide. The government has also introduced a new category of airports called ‘priority areas’ which will receive additional incentives to encourage airlines to operate flights to these areas.
The government has also announced that it will provide additional funding to the states to develop airport infrastructure in their respective regions. The government has set aside INR 260 crore (USD 35 million).
