The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s ‘Lifeline Udan’ initiative has recently drawn attention for its impressive performance in aiding India’s battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, a whopping 415 flights have been operated under this program by various air carriers, transporting approximately 779.86 tons of goods over an aerial distance of more than 4 lakh kilometres.
The ‘Lifeline Udan’ Initiative
The main goal of the ‘Lifeline Udan’ initiative is to deliver essential medical supplies to the remote areas of India, supporting the country’s efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this program ensures a steady supply of essentials, even reaching the most isolated locations across India.
The transported cargo typically includes regents, enzymes, medical equipment, testing kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks, gloves and other items deemed essential by the State and Union Territory Governments. The scheme has laid special emphasis on North East Region, island territories, and hill states.
Interestingly, the initiative is not to be confused with UDAN, another program by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Although their names are similar, their functions vary significantly: while ‘Lifeline Udan’ focuses on transporting medical essentials for combating Covid-19, UDAN is primarily concerned with enhancing regional connectivity within the country.
Execution of ‘Lifeline Udan’
The operation of ‘Lifeline Udan’ is carried out by a mix of carriers inclusive of Air India, Alliance Air, Indian Air Force, Pawan Hans and several private carriers. These companies come together to ensure that necessary goods reach every corner of the country during the lockdown, regardless of geographical challenges.
The UDAN Scheme
Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) is an innovative scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016, aimed at developing the regional aviation market within India. Unlike ‘Lifeline Udan’, the UDAN scheme’s primary focus is on making flights economically viable and affordable on regional routes. This plan seeks to make air travel accessible to the common man, even those residing in small towns.
Both ‘Lifeline Udan’ and UDAN are crucial schemes launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation that serve different purposes. While the former plays a vital role in distributing essential medical supplies amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the latter is shaping the future of regional aviation in India.