The domestic civil aviation market has received a major flip with 12 new routes added under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
What is the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)?
- The RCS also referred to as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a major connectivity scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- It has two components: the development of regional airports and “Regional Connectivity Scheme” (RCS) which will provide air links between major cities.
- The RCS has an objective of letting even most ordinary citizen of the country fly at an affordable rate.
- The RCs aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, even in the remote locations of India which lack regular air connectivity.
- The RCS aims to boost the inclusive national economic development, provide for job growth and develop the air transport infrastructure in the country.
- The RCS is both involved both ways, i.e. as an enabler and beneficiary of other key Government of India economic development, transportation and connectivity schemes, such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Industrial corridor, BharatNet, Digital India and Make in India, National e-Governance Plan, Startup India and Standup India.
Current Updates
With the addition of the 12 new routes in the RS, the total number of routes in the RCS is now 186. This also includes 8 tourism RCS routes. The Durgapur airport has become the 40th route to become functional in this scheme.