UDAN Scheme- Performance Over Last Five Years

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.

Table of Contents

UDAN Scheme- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Challenges
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

UDAN Scheme in News

Recently, Ministry of Civil Aviation’s flagship program Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik) has completed 5 years of success since the launch of it first flight by Prime Minister on 27th April 2017.

UDAN Scheme Performance

In the last five years, UDAN has significantly increased the regional air-connectivity in the country.
Increased Airports: There were 74 operational airports in 2014. Because of the UDAN scheme this number has increased to 141 by now.
Enhanced Connectivity: 68 underserved/unserved destinations which include 58 Airports, 8 Heliports & 2 Water Aerodromes have been connected under 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.
Beneficiaries: More than one crore passengers have availed the benefits of Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik) scheme as on 4th August 2022.
Benefits to 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,
- Unserved regions have received the direct and indirect benefits of air connectivity for their economic development.
Recognition: 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.

UDAN Scheme: Future Targets

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.
By 2026, RCS-UDAN scheme is expected to help 40 crore Indians to travel through Civil Aviation in India.

UDAN scheme: Key points

About UDAN

UDAN scheme full form: Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik is a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development.
It provides a win-win situation for all stakeholders – citizens would get the benefit of affordability, connectivity and more jobs.
The scheme was launched in 2016, and would be in operation for a period of 10 years.

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UDAN scheme benefits

Central Government would provide concessions in the form of reduced excise duty, service tax, and flexibility of code sharing at the RCS (UDAN) airports.
State governments will have to lower the GST on ATF to 1% or less, besides providing security and fire services free of cost and electricity, water and other utilities at substantially concessional rates.
A Regional Connectivity Fund would be created to meet the viability gap funding requirements under the scheme. The RCF levy per departure will be applied to certain domestic flights.
The partner State Governments (other than North Eastern States and Union Territories where contribution will be 10 %) would contribute a 20% share to this fund.

UDAN Scheme- Various Formulations

Krishi UDAN: launched for enhancing value realization of agriculture products especially in North-eastern 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 COVID-19 period.
- It helped to operate 588 flights transporting almost 1000 Tonnes of voluminous cargo and essential medical services to various parts of the country.

Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration: UDAN Scheme Selected for the Award