Even though air travel has become affordable, traveling by air is still an aspiration of many people in our country. However, the major reason is flight options and access to airports in remote areas. Recognizing this, the government is taking action on this approach, as new airports and flight routes have been inaugurated under the UDAN Udan scheme. Responding to questions during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Scindia said, ‘UDAN is an ambitious scheme of the Government of India, under which during the last six years, since its launch in 2016, there are about 1.15 crore people who have ever flown by air. did not travel Airplanes were able to make that trip.
He further informed that currently 11 airlines are part of UDAN, of which three are startups, while 70 new airports have been set up.
“Apart from these we are going to set up 68 new airports by the end of 2024 towards diversification of civil aviation sector,” the minister said.
Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on October 21, 2016 with an aim to promote regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for the masses.
“By November 30, 2022, after four rounds of bidding under UDAN, 453 routes have been launched, 70 airports are operational, including 2 water aerodromes and 9 heliports. Over 2.15 lakh UDAN flights operated have been undertaken and more than 1.1 crore passengers have been benefitted. UDAN flights so far. The scheme has been able to provide air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities at affordable airfares and improve the way people travel has been changed,” the minister replied.
UDAN scheme is applicable for a period of 10 years from the date of its notification.
“Government aims to operationalize 1,000 UDAN routes during the plan period and revive/develop 100 unused and under-utilized airports/heliports/water airports by 2024. Government of India to set aside Rs 4,500 crore for revival With regard to existing unserved/under-served airports/airstrips of State Governments, Airports Authority of India, Public Sector Undertakings and Civil Enclaves, Scindia said.
Airports Authority of India, the implementing agency, monitors the progress of revival/development of airports awarded under UDAN and is reviewed by the Ministry from time to time in consultation with stakeholders.
With inputs from PTI