In a nation where the sky symbolises hope and aspiration, the dream of flying has long been a luxury for many. This dream began to take shape with the launch of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, or “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik,” on October 21, 2016. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), UDAN aims to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports across India, making air travel affordable and accessible for the masses.
As it celebrates its seventh anniversary, UDAN stands as a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in remote regions.
UDAN – Creating a difference for the aam nagrik
The UDAN scheme has transformed the Indian aviation landscape, operationalising 601 routes, including helicopter routes, connecting states and Union Territories. About 28% of these routes serve the remotest locations, enhancing accessibility across challenging terrains.
The number of operational airports in India has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with plans to reach 350-400 by 2047. Domestic air passengers have more than doubled in the past decade, with Indian airlines significantly expanding their fleets.
A total of 86 aerodromes, comprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes, have facilitated the travel of over 14.4 million passengers across more than 280,000 flights. Since its inception, fixed-wing operations have cumulatively covered approximately 11.2 billion kilometers, equivalent to circling the globe around 28,000 times.
As the UDAN scheme continues to soar, it not only brings the dream of flying within reach for millions but also enhances the socio-economic fabric of the nation by fostering connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
With UDAN dreams take flight
The inaugural UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla’s serene hills to the bustling metropolis of Delhi. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey in Indian aviation, opening the skies to countless citizens.
“The story of UDAN is deeply rooted in the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who in a pivotal meeting before the National Civil Aviation Policy was announced, emphasised the need to democratise air travel. He famously remarked that he wanted to see people wearing slippers boarding planes, a sentiment that ignited the vision for a more inclusive aviation sector. This commitment to the common man’s dreams led to the birth of UDAN,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
UDAN boosts connectivity with viability gap funding
UDAN operates on a market-driven model, allowing airlines to assess demand for specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds. The scheme incentivises airlines to connect underserved regions by offering support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and various concessions from airport operators, the Central Government, and State Governments.
The government has implemented several measures to attract airlines to operate in less lucrative markets:
- Airport Operators: Waiving landing and parking charges for RCS flights and exempting them from Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC).
- Central Government: Capping excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at 2% for the first three years at RCS airports, encouraging code-sharing agreements among airlines.
- State Governments: Reducing VAT on ATF to 1% or less for ten years and providing essential services at reduced rates.
Fueling growth of Indian aviation industry
The RCS-UDAN scheme has revitalised the civil aviation industry in India. Over the past seven years, it has catalyzed the emergence of new airlines like Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91, each developing sustainable business models and contributing to a thriving ecosystem for regional air travel.
The incremental expansion of the scheme has also spurred demand for new aircraft of various sizes, leading to a diverse fleet operating on RCS routes. Notably, Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft for delivery in the next 10-15 years, significantly boosting the existing fleet of approximately 800 planes.
Promoting tourism
RCS-UDAN is not solely focused on providing last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism. Initiatives like UDAN 3.0 have introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast, while UDAN 5.1 aims to expand helicopter services in hilly areas to stimulate tourism and local economic growth.
Significant destinations such as Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer) are now more accessible, catering to the religious tourism segment. Additionally, the introduction of airports in Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu has further stimulated growth in the Northeast’s tourism sector.
Boosting air connectivity
From Mundra in Gujarat to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across India. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalised under UDAN, including ten in the Northeast and two heliports. Airports like Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, and Kannur are increasingly sustainable, with many non-RCS commercial flights now operating from these locations.
