Expansion of Regional Connectivity Scheme Enhances Air Travel in India

Significant Developments in Regional Air Connectivity

New Delhi, Dec 18: The Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), has successfully operationalized 651 routes, linking 93 airports that were previously unserved or underserved. This includes 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes as of November 30, as reported to Parliament on Thursday.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu provided this information in a written response to a Lok Sabha inquiry, noting that Uttar Pradesh alone has seen 87 routes established, connecting 12 airports.

Additionally, the government is set to introduce a revised UDAN Scheme aimed at enhancing regional connectivity to 120 new destinations nationwide, including in Uttar Pradesh, with the goal of accommodating 40 million passengers over the next decade.

The minister indicated that this initiative is currently awaiting approval.

According to the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy established in 2008, any airport developer, including state authorities, must identify a suitable location, conduct a Pre-Feasibility Study, and submit a proposal to the Central Government for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval.

Naidu mentioned that the Government of India has granted 'In-Principle' approval for 24 greenfield airports, with 13 of these already operational.

Upgrading infrastructure and passenger amenities at airports is an ongoing effort managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or the respective airport operators, in collaboration with state governments, based on operational needs, traffic, demand, and commercial viability.

Moreover, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) maintains aviation safety through a comprehensive oversight system, which includes regular inspections, spot checks, and audits. The DGCA follows an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) for these inspections and ensures that any audit findings are addressed with verified corrective measures, as stated by the minister.

To date, over 15.7 million passengers have benefited from 327,000 UDAN flights, which connect various destinations across the country, including tier 2 cities.