On the eve of UDAN Day (October 21st), the Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off six new routes to enhance the aerial connectivity of North-East India. This development is part of the government’s Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) initiative, a key regional connectivity scheme launched in 2016. To commemorate the importance of this initiative, the government declared October 21st as UDAN Day, which also marks the day when the initial scheme document was released.
The Vision Behind Udan: An Overview of Its Launch and Objectives
UDAN was put into action to expand regional aviation markets and to ensure affordable air travel across regional routes that cater to everyday people, even those living in small towns. The scheme propounds the augmentation of connectivity to underserved and unserved airports through the reactivation of existing airstrips and airports.
Key Features of the UDAN Scheme
Implemented for a decade, the scheme classifies underserved airports as those without more than a single daily flight while designating unserved airports as those with no operational flights. Financial incentives are offered by the Central and State Governments, along with airport operators to inspire selected airlines to operate from these airports, thereby making airfares affordable.
Achievements and Progress So Far: A Look at the Numbers
Up to date, the scheme has successfully operationalised 387 routes and 60 airports, with 100 routes exclusively awarded in the North East region itself. Under the KRISHI UDAN Scheme, 16 airports have been pinpointed to amplify the export opportunities of the North East region, thereby helping to increase cargo movements and exports.
Key Developments Under Various Phases of the UDAN Scheme
During UDAN 1.0, five airline companies were given 128 flight routes to 70 airports, including 36 newly operational airports. UDAN 2.0 saw the introduction of 73 underserved and unserved airports in 2018, with helipads being incorporated for the first time into the scheme. UDAN 3.0 incorporated tourism routes and seaplanes for connecting water aerodromes. It also brought several routes in the North-East region under the purview of UDAN. In 2020, under UDAN 4.0, 78 new routes were approved to boost connectivity to remote and regional areas. UDAN 4.1 followed with a focus on smaller airports, helicopter and seaplane routes.
Introduction of KRISHI UDAN & International UDAN
A year ago, in August 2020, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the KRISHI UDAN initiative to support farmers by facilitating the transportation of agricultural products on international and national routes. This helped in improving the realization of their products’ value. As part of International UDAN, plans are underway to establish direct connections from India’s smaller cities to key destinations in neighbouring countries.
The Way Forward
To ensure the sustainable success of the UDAN scheme, airlines need to be encouraged to take strategic advantages by gaining additional slots at congested tier-1 airports, obtaining monopoly status on routes and lowering operational costs. Stakeholders must better the scheme’s efficiency whilst airlines should undertake marketing initiatives to reach more potential beneficiaries. More infrastructure is imperative for the successful nationwide implementation of the scheme.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024