The Indian government plans to extend the regional air connectivity scheme by an additional ten years, according to Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu’s announcement on Thursday. The extension aims to enhance air connectivity across the country and includes plans for providing viability gap funding for seaplane operations.
Naidu highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting domestic aircraft manufacturing, including aircraft, helicopters, and seaplanes. Simplified norms for seaplane operations have been introduced, and demo flights are scheduled to begin in October, starting with Vijayawada. Several states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, have shown interest in participating in these operations.
Impact of the UDAN Scheme
The UDAN scheme, launched in 2017, has significantly improved regional connectivity, operationalizing 579 routes connecting 85 airports, including 13 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. However, some routes have been discontinued due to various factors such as low passenger load factors, airline shutdowns, and visibility issues at VFR (Visual Flight Rules) airports.
Seaplane operations, now under the UDAN scheme, are expected to bolster tourism and support critical areas such as research, environmental monitoring, coastal resource management, and coastal and island defense. The extension of the UDAN scheme and the support for seaplane operations are seen as pivotal steps in furthering India’s regional air connectivity and infrastructure development.
The government’s proactive measures and commitment to improving connectivity reflect a broader vision of enhancing transportation infrastructure and supporting economic growth through innovative aviation solutions.
