What are the features of RCS- UDAN 4.0?
Under the fourth version of the government’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN 4.0, a total of 78 additional routes have been approved by the aviation ministry. It will further boost regional connectivity in remote areas of the country.
Features
The prime focus of the latest round will be on the North Eastern Region, states with hilly areas, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Indian Islands.
- The Viability Gap Funding provision will be revised for the aircraft with more than 20 seats. And revision of VGF will also be done in the case of the aircraft with a total seat less than 20, for further incentivization of the operation under the scheme.
- The VGF provision would not be allowed for the routes with stage length up to 600 km, for the operation of the aircraft with more than 20 seats.
Earlier, the Civil Aviation Ministry had flagged off the first-ever helicopter service by Pawan Hans in Uttarakhand under the UDAN-RCS in order to improve the connectivity of various areas in the hilly state.
- AAI developed airports would have the dominance for the award of VGF under the Scheme.
- It will allow some selected airline operators to change their frequency of flight operation.
- Helicopters and seaplanes will be introduced under the scheme.
UDAN scheme
- Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik Scheme was launched in 2017 as a flagship program of the Union Government to start air connectivity operations on the unserved routes in the country.
- Its main objective was the promotion of balanced regional growth and affordable flying for the masses. This is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy.
Vision
The aviation ministry is looking forward to operationalizing 1000 routes and more than 100 airports within 5 years. Incentives would be provided for the development of short-haul routes only, providing connectivity to nearby airports.
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Month: Current Affairs - August, 2020