78 new routes added under UDAN Scheme

The fourth round of regional connectivity scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) has seen major growth in terms of development this year. Recently Civil Aviation Ministry under the Udan scheme approved a total of 78 additional routes. The new approval came after 3 successful rounds of bidding. 

What is UDAN Scheme?

Launched on 27th April 2017 with an objective of “letting the common citizen of the country fly” UDAN-RCS, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional airport development and “Regional Connectivity Scheme” (RCS) of Government of India. It is aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread, to boost inclusive national economic development, job growth and air transport infrastructure development.

Progress so far

The ministry has conducted a fourth round of bidding successfully. Let us have a look at development so far.

UDAN-RCS Round-I (2017, April):

  • Developed 128 new regional routes from 70 airports, including 27 currently well-served metro airports and 43 regional airports.

UDA-RCS Round-II (2017, December):

  • 502 new regional and helicopter routes were bided in 196 proposals.
  • Connected 126 airports and heliports.

UDAN-RCS Round-III (2019, January):

  • The central government received bids for 111 routes from 15 airlines.
  • Chopper routes were not included in the third round of bidding.

UDAN-RCS Round-IV (2019, December):

  • The government revised the Viability Gap Funding.
  • 78 additional routes have been added.
  • In total 766 routes have been sanctioned.
  • Special focus on North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands.
  • The airports developed by AAI will be given higher priority this year for VGF award.

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