5 years of UDAN scheme

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About UDAN-

• • The scheme was initiatedon 21st October 2016 with the objective to fulfil the aspirations of the common citizen by following the vision of ‘UdeDeshkaAamNagrik’, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.
  • It was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)-2016 and it was planned to remain in force for a period of 10 years. 
  • It has a self-financing mechanism with the development of Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF). 
  • Under this Scheme, RCF was created, which funds the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) requirements of the scheme through a levy on certain domestic flights. This way, funds generated from the sector themselves stimulate the growth and development of the sector.

• UDAN created a framework based on the need and led to the formulation of:

• • • Lifeline UDAN (for transportation of medical cargo during pandemic).
    • Krishi UDAN (value realization of agriculture products especially in Northeastern Region {NER} and tribal districts).
    • International UDAN routes for NER to explore International Connectivity from / to Guwahati and Imphal.
  • Lifeline UDAN – Lifeline UDAN initiative commenced in March 2020 during COVID-19 period and it helped to operate 588 flights transporting almost 1000 Tonnes of voluminous cargo and essential medical services to various parts of the country.

• Various phases of UDAN-

1. 1. UDAN 1.0: Phase 1 of the scheme was launched in 2017. Six airports of North-east  were opened under UDAN; the airports of North-east include- Shillong, Dimarpur, Imphal, Silchar, Aizawl and Agartala were connected.
   2. UDAN 2.0: It aimed to  connect 43 airports and helipads with priority to the North-East and the hill states.States with maximum number of airports and helipads could  see activation under UDAN 2 scheme.
   3. UDAN 3.0:  The priority in this phase is connecting tourist destinations. Routes for auction in this phase will include popular tourist destinations such as Mahabodhi temple in Bihar, Ajanta and Ellora in Aurangabad and Hampi in Karnataka and others. 
   4. UDAN 4.0: The focus of this round would be mainly on connecting north-eastern states, hilly states, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and islands.

• UDAN 4.1: It focuses  on connecting smaller airports, along with special helicopter and seaplane routes.

• Republic Day Tableau for 26th January 2022 on UDAN was adjudged as the Best Tableau by the Ministry of Defence.
• In the last five years, UDAN has significantly increased the regional air-connectivity in the country. There were 74 operational airports in 2014. Because of the UDAN scheme this number has increased to 141 by now.

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