Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur Airports Launched by PM Modi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated three new airports developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh today. The newly inaugurated airports are located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh). 

Overview of RCS-UDAN

• Launched on October 21, 2016, as part of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), with a 10-year vision.
• Aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions.
• Completes seven years of operation, facilitating travel for over 144 lakh passengers.
• The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
• The scheme focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions of the country and fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizens.

Milestones in RCS-UDAN Development

UDAN Versions

• UDAN 1.0 : Awarded 128 flight routes to five airline companies across 70 airports, including 36 newly operational airports.
• UDAN 2.0 : Announced connections to 73 underserved and unserved airports; included helipads for the first time.
• UDAN 3.0 : Introduced tourism routes and connected water aerodromes with seaplanes, focusing on the Northeast Region.
• UDAN 4.0 : Emphasized operations in the Northeastern regions, hilly states, and islands, incorporating helicopters and seaplanes.

UDAN 5.0

• Launched with improvements based on stakeholder feedback, focusing on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats) aircraft.
• Removed the 600 km distance cap, allowing airlines to operate without distance restrictions.
• Airlines must commence operations within 4 months of route award.

Subsequent Versions (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4)

UDAN 5.1

Helicopter Route Focus

• Specifically designed to enhance operations for helicopter operators.

Increased Viability Gap Funding (VGF)

• Enhanced VGF to support operators and reduce airfare caps, making flying more affordable for passengers.

Priority Area Connectivity

• Operations allowed if at least one origin or destination is in a priority area or a heliport, increasing route options.

UDAN 5.2

Connectivity Enhancement

• Aims to improve connectivity to remote and regional areas and provide last-mile connectivity.

Small Aircraft Support

• Focuses on small aircraft (<20 seats) to enhance tourism and regional travel.

Operational Flexibility

• Allows small aircraft operators to operate a maximum of 40% of annually quoted RCS seats and a minimum of 10% in any quarter.

UDAN 5.3 and 5.4

Reviving Discontinued Routes

• Special bidding rounds launched to operationalize routes that were discontinued or canceled before completing their tenure.

Point-to-Point Connectivity Enhancement

• Bids invited from all categories of airline operators for previously identified routes to improve air connectivity.

Impact on the Aviation Industry

Growth of Airlines

• RCS-UDAN has facilitated the emergence of successful regional airlines, such as Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91.
• These airlines demonstrate the scheme’s ability to create a conducive environment for sustainable airline operations.

Demand for New Aircraft

• The expansion of RCS-UDAN has generated significant demand for diverse aircraft, including helicopters and seaplanes.
• Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft to be delivered in the next 10-15 years.

Promotion of Tourism

• RCS-UDAN significantly contributes to promoting tourism, with UDAN 3.0 introducing tourism routes in the Northeast region.
• The scheme has successfully connected key tourist destinations, enhancing accessibility for religious and cultural tourism.
• Notable connections include Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh, along with the operationalization of Agatti Island to boost tourism in Lakshadweep.

Enhancing Air Connectivity

• RCS-UDAN has successfully connected 34 States/UTs, operationalizing 86 aerodromes, including 10 airports in the Northeast.

• Airports like Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, and Belgaum have become sustainable with non-RCS commercial flights.