UDAN 5.5: Strengthening Regional Connectivity

1. The Government of India has launched the latest phase of its flagship regional connectivity scheme – UDAN 5.5 (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik), with a focused approach towards enhancing last-mile air connectivity in remote, hilly, and island regions of the country.
2. This phase aims to bridge connectivity gaps in underserved areas by enabling operations through smaller aircraft, helicopters, and seaplanes.
    

About UDAN Scheme
 

1. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016 as a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP).
2. The scheme was envisioned to transform air travel accessibility for the common man in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
3. Objectives of the Scheme:

1. To provide affordable and accessible air travel to the general public.
2. To enhance air connectivity to remote and regional areas, thereby promoting regional development and economic growth.

 

Key Features of the UDAN Scheme
 

1. Airlines operating under UDAN are mandated to cap airfares for 50% of the total seats at ₹2,500 per hour of flight (approximately 500 km).
2. The cost differential between the operating cost and revenue is bridged through:
   1. Viability Gap Funding (VGF): A financial support mechanism provided by the government.
   2. Concessions and support from both Central and State governments, as well as airport operators.
3. Funding Mechanism:

1. The Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) was set up to finance VGF requirements.
2. The State Governments contribute 20% to the VGF fund.
   • For Union Territories and North Eastern Region (NER) states, the contribution is 10% only.
      

Special Variants under UDAN Scheme
 

Over the years, the scheme has evolved with specialized formats to cater to diverse connectivity needs:
 

1. Lifeline UDAN: Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure timely transportation of medical cargo and essential supplies to remote areas.
2. Krishi UDAN: Aimed at improving the value realization of agricultural produce, especially from the NER and tribal districts, by facilitating faster air transportation.
3. International UDAN: Designed to establish international air connectivity from the NER, especially from Guwahati and Imphal, to neighboring countries.
    

UDAN 5.5: Enhancing Last-Mile Air Access
 

The recently launched UDAN 5.5 phase brings a renewed emphasis on expanding connectivity in difficult terrain and isolated locations.
 

Key Highlights of UDAN 5.5:
 

1. Targeted at promoting connectivity in remote, hilly, and island regions where conventional aircraft operations are not feasible.
2. Routes under this phase will be serviced exclusively by:
   1. Seaplanes
   2. Helicopters
   3. Small aircraft with seating capacity of less than 20 passengers.
3. Operators are encouraged to explore new routes involving 80 water bodies, including waterdromes, ponds, and dams, to operationalize seaplane services.
4. The scheme also includes 400 helipads across the country, allowing operators to plan chopper routes to improve accessibility in challenging terrains.
    

Aircraft Categories under UDAN 5.5:
 

1. Category 1A: Aircraft with seating capacity less than 9 passengers.
2. Category 1: Aircraft with seating capacity less than 20 passengers.

This category-based participation allows for more flexibility and inclusivity of smaller operators, particularly those specializing in niche aviation segments such as air taxi services, helicopters, and amphibian aircraft.

 

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