The Indian government has recently announced a major revamp of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, aiming to boost regional connectivity in rural areas and improve the accessibility of air travel for the common man. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is planning an extension of the Regional Air Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which was initially launched for 10 years starting in 2016. The Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu recently stated, ” The Regional Connectivity Scheme Udan has been a major success, and the ministry is planning a proposal for extension of the scheme beyond its initial 10-year period.”
Expansion of the aviation network
With the revamped UDAN scheme, the ministry plans to address the challenges faced in earlier phases of the scheme and will cover more underserved and unserved regions of the country. The UDAN scheme has aimed to make travel more affordable and introduce flights in tier -2 and tier-3 cities. Many of these cities lack proper infrastructure and adequate air connectivity. Under the new scheme, the focus will be reaching out to more remote and rural areas, to make sure that air travel is not exclusive to urban populations only.
The government has recognised several new routes and airports for the expansion of the aviation network under the latest phase. Under the new scheme, construction and operation of smaller airports and helicopters are also on the agenda. This step will help in assisting regional carriers to operate flights to these destinations.
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The Group Chairman of Sky One, Jaideep Mirchandani stated, ”recent development on the extension and revamping of the UDAN scheme is a welcome change and it is sure to expand regional connectivity in India. Making air travel more accessible and affordable, will also boost local economies, promote tourism, and speed up emergency response time. Simplified regulations for seaplane operations are another long-overdue move that connects areas with challenging terrains.”
Under the new UDAN scheme, seaplane operations are anticipated to boost tourism and will act as support for managing coastal resources, boost tourism as well help in monitoring the environment. Mirchandani commented on this development and said, ”The setting up seaplane routes along India’s vast coastline will benefit the small towns and cities and connect them seamlessly. While the new UDAN guidelines are sure to infuse activity into the regions, the government must address the challenges faced by airlines functioning in these regional routes, especially after the initial subsidy period. New routes and destinations must be sustained with support mechanisms to ensure long-term viability.”
Incentives for Airlines and Operators
To encourage more participation by the airlines, the revamped UDAN scheme will provide increased financial incentives and more flexibility in choosing the routes. The government has also pledged to cover a significant amount of the operational costs of airlines functioning on these new routes. The bidding process has also been made simpler to attract smaller airlines and helicopter operators.
The Civil Aviation Ministry aims to stay committed to its aim of bridging the gap between rural and urban India through the new scheme. The expansion of air networks in the most remote regions will not only provide access to essential services but will also open doors for new economic opportunities for people.
Challenges to address
The expansion of the UDAN scheme is expected to have a positive impact on local business, will boost tourism in unexplored regions, and will boost cultural exchange as well. However, the environmental impact of the increased air traffic in regional areas is a point of concern. Lower passenger demand in these areas can hamper the growth and will require careful planning. An effort by the airline to minimize the carbon footprint by utilizing fuel-efficient aircraft can lessen the adverse effects. If successful the scheme can help in reshaping the future regional connectivity in India.