Extension of ‘Udan’ Scheme to Enhance Air Connectivity in Unserved Regions of India
The Indian government has announced a 10-year extension of the regional air connectivity scheme known as ‘Udan,’ aimed at improving unserved air routes in underserved areas of the country and meeting the aspirations of everyday citizens.
Having recently completed eight years, the ‘Udan’ scheme has fostered the growth of regional airlines, generated jobs, and contributed to tourism. It has transformed air travel by connecting remote parts of India to major destinations. As per Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the initiative has operationalized 601 routes and 86 airports, benefiting approximately 14.4 million passengers.
The first flight under the RCS-UDAN initiative was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017, linking Shimla with Delhi. The scheme’s focus remains on enhancing connectivity in underserved regions, providing essential air travel options for common citizens.
RCS-UDAN has significantly contributed to the civil aviation industry, leading to the emergence of several new airlines over the past seven years. The program has allowed airline operators to establish and grow sustainable business models, benefiting smaller regional carriers like Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91.
The scheme’s incremental growth has spurred rising demand for new aircraft, expanding the types of aircraft in use, which now include helicopters, seaplanes, three-seat propeller planes, and jets. Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft expected to be delivered in the next 10-15 years, significantly increasing the existing fleet of around 800 planes.
Beyond providing last-mile connectivity to tier 2 and 3 cities, RCS-UDAN plays a vital role in boosting the tourism sector. The introduction of UDAN 3.0 has established tourism routes across the northeast, while UDAN 5.1 focuses on expanding helicopter services in hilly regions, thereby stimulating tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth.
