What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (2024, 15 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 3
Word Limit	250 words
Syllabus Topic	Infrastructure: Airports

Model Answer

Air travel in India was long limited to big metro cities. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was launched in 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016. Its aim is to make flying affordable for common people.

Need for Regional Air Connectivity

• Growth of small cities: Tier-2 and tier-3 towns need fast links for trade.
• Difficult terrain: Hills, islands and the North-East have poor road and rail access.
• Tourism: Air links bring tourists to remote heritage and nature sites.
• Unused assets: Many airstrips were lying idle.
• Emergencies: Quick access for health care and disaster relief.

Key Features of UDAN

• Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airlines on new routes, shared by the Centre and States.
• A fare cap on about half the seats.
• States and airport operators cut taxes and charges.
• First flight: Shimla–Delhi, April 2017.

Achievements

• Hundreds of routes have started, linking many unserved airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
• Smaller towns like Darbhanga have seen strong passenger demand.
• Spin-offs: Krishi UDAN for farm produce and Lifeline UDAN for medical supplies during Covid-19.
• It boosted regional airlines and local jobs.

Challenges

• Many routes stopped after the VGF period ended.
• Some small airlines shut down.
• Poor airport infrastructure and weak demand on some routes.

Conclusion

UDAN has made flying a reality for many first-time flyers. Better route planning and airport upgrades can make it a pillar of inclusive growth for Viksit Bharat 2047.

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