The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has recently proposed about 392 routes under the UDAN 4.1 bidding process to kick off the commencement of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75). The focus of UDAN 4.1 lies in enhancing connectivity to smaller airports and incorporating special helicopter and seaplane routes.
UDAN 4.1 and the SagarMala Seaplane Services
The UDAN 4.1 project aims to connect smaller airports and introduce new routes under the SagarMala Seaplane services. These services fall under an ambitious project spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. With the collaboration of potential airline operators, one seaplane service is already underway between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad since October 2020.
Understanding the UDAN Scheme
UDAN or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, introduced in 2016, is a regional connectivity scheme under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Its main objective is to make air travel economically viable and affordable for the common man in smaller towns. This would be achieved through the revival of existing airstrips and airports that are under-served or un-served.
Under-served airports usually have no more than one flight a day, while unserved airports lack operations entirely. Financial incentives provided by central and state governments, as well as airport operators, are given to selected airlines to support operations from these airports and maintain affordable airfares.
The Success of the UDAN Scheme
Since its inception, the UDAN scheme has brought about the operationalisation of 325 routes and 56 airports, including 5 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. Furthermore, it has been executed in multiple phases, each with its own specific focus.
UDAN 1.0
This initial phase saw the award of 128 flight routes to 5 airline companies, connecting them to 70 airports, with 36 newly operational facilities.
UDAN 2.0
Launched in 2018, this iteration announced services to 73 under-served and unserved airports. It also marked the first time that helipads were incorporated into the UDAN scheme.
UDAN 3.0
The third phase witnessed the inclusion of tourism routes coordinated with the Ministry of Tourism and the inclusion of seaplanes for connecting water aerodromes. Additionally, several routes in the North-East Region were brought under the ambit of UDAN.
UDAN 4.0
The latest phase carried out in 2020 approved an additional 78 routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UdeDeshKaAamNagrik (UDAN). This would further enhance connectivity to remote & regional areas of the country with Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep set to benefit from these new routes.
