Regional Connectivity Scheme

Regional Connectivity Scheme

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated three airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh). These airports aim to enhance air travel accessibility and will soon start flights, further advancing the mission to improve infrastructure in underserved regions.

What is the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN)?

• About UDAN: The Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) initiative was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• The scheme is designed to connect remote regions, promote tourism, and stimulate economic development, aiming to make air travel accessible for the general public. Over the past seven years, it has facilitated over 144 lakh passenger journeys.
• UDAN addresses last-mile connectivity and focuses on connecting unserved air routes. The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated in 2017, linking Shimla with Delhi.

• UDAN 1.0: Awarded 128 flight routes connecting 70 airports, with 36 newly operational airports.
• UDAN 2.0: Introduced helipads for the first time, expanding connectivity options.
• UDAN 3.0: Introduced seaplanes for water aerodromes, particularly improving North-East Region connectivity.
• UDAN 4.0: Focused on the North-Eastern regions, hilly states, and islands, facilitating operations for helicopters and seaplanes.
• UDAN 5.0: Prioritized Category-2 and Category-3 aircraft for further enhancing regional connectivity.
• UDAN 5.1: Boosted helicopter routes by increasing funding, reducing airfare caps, and designating priority areas for one destination.
• UDAN 5.2: Focused on last-mile connectivity using small aircraft, particularly boosting tourism in remote areas.
• UDAN 5.3 & 5.4: Aimed at restarting discontinued routes, enhancing point-to-point air connectivity across the country.

• National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP): The NCAP aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible. It promotes the growth of the civil aviation sector, fosters tourism, enhances regional connectivity, and simplifies business operations through deregulation and e-governance.
• Open Sky Agreement: This bilateral agreement between two countries enables airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services by negotiating air rights.
• Digi Yatra for Seamless Travel: A digital platform that enhances air travel with contactless experiences, offering features such as facial recognition and paperless check-in.

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