UDAN Scheme:
The Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, launched in 2016, has been instrumental in revolutionizing India’s regional air connectivity. This ambitious initiative aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen by developing underserved airports.
How UDAN Works
The UDAN scheme operates on a market-based model with the government providing financial incentives to airlines to operate flights on underserved routes. Key features of the scheme include:
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): The government provides financial support to airlines to make operations on these routes economically viable.
- Fare caps: Airlines are required to offer a certain percentage of seats at subsidized fares.
- Infrastructure development: The government supports the development of airport infrastructure in underserved regions.
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Udan Scheme Airport: Highlights
| Project Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Total Routes Operationalized | 579 |
| Total Airports Covered | 85 (including 13 heliports and 2 water aerodromes) |
| Funding Allocation |
– Phase I: ₹4,500 crore – Phase II: ₹1,000 crore |
| Expenditure as of June 30, 2024 | ₹4,073 crore |
| Objectives of UDAN |
– Improve regional air connectivity – Foster economic growth and local development – Enhance infrastructure and passenger experience |
| Current Status | Ongoing, with periodic bidding rounds |
New Airports Under UDAN Scheme
This year, the following new airports are set to be operationalized:
| Location | State/UT |
|---|---|
| Shibpur, Car Nicobar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Ambikapur | Chhattisgarh |
| Rewa and Datia | Madhya Pradesh |
| Amravati and Solapur | Maharashtra |
| Daman | Daman & Diu |
| Ambala | Haryana |
| Moradabad and Saharanpur | Uttar Pradesh |
| Vellore and Neyveli | Tamil Nadu |
Financial Allocation and Expenditure
To support the revival and development of these airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, the government has allocated significant funds:
- Phase I: ₹4,500 crore
- Phase II: ₹1,000 crore
As of June 30, 2024, an expenditure of ₹4,073 crore has been utilized under Phase I for the development and revival of these facilities.
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Impact of UDAN
The UDAN scheme has had a significant impact on regional connectivity and economic development in India. Some of the key benefits include:
- Increased air travel: The scheme has led to a surge in air passenger traffic in previously underserved regions.
- Economic growth: Improved connectivity has boosted tourism, trade, and commerce in regional areas.
- Job creation: The aviation sector has witnessed job growth due to the expansion of air services.
- Infrastructure development: Several new airports and airstrips have been developed under the UDAN scheme.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the UDAN scheme has achieved considerable success, it also faces challenges such as infrastructure development, financial sustainability, and pilot availability. To address these challenges, the government is continuously working on improving the scheme and expanding its reach.
The future of the UDAN scheme looks promising with the government’s commitment to further develop regional air connectivity. As the scheme matures, it is expected to play an even more crucial role in India’s economic growth and social development.
Future Prospects
Minister Mohol emphasized that UDAN is an ongoing scheme, with continuous efforts to include more destinations and improve air connectivity across India. The regular bidding cycles guarantee that the scheme remains responsive to the changing demands of the aviation industry and regional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme is an Indian government initiative aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity by making air travel more accessible in underserved areas. Launched in 2016, it focuses on developing new airports and improving existing facilities
This year, twelve new airports are set to be introduced under the UDAN scheme across eight states and union territories.
The government has allocated ₹4,500 crore for Phase I and ₹1,000 crore for Phase II of the UDAN scheme. As of June 30, 2024, ₹4,073 crore has been spent under Phase I.
The UDAN scheme enhances accessibility to air travel in underserved areas, stimulates local economic growth, boosts tourism, and creates new business opportunities.
The primary objectives of the UDAN scheme are to improve regional air connectivity, foster economic growth, and enhance infrastructure and passenger experiences.
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