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.
The Global Tax Revolution
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