Question: Consider the following statements:
(1) Hardeep Singh Puri flagged off the first helicopter service by Pawan Hans in Uttarakhand under the UDAN-RCS scheme.
(2) UDAN-RCS, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional airport development and “Regional Connectivity Scheme” (RCS) of Government of India, launched in 2017.
Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1&2
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- On 29 July 2020, Minister of State, Independent Charge, Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri flagged off the first helicopter service by Pawan Hans in Uttarakhand under the UDAN-RCS scheme.
- This service will enable connectivity between Dehradun, New Tehri, Srinagar and Gauchar.
- Commencement of the new heli services will enhance the aerial connectivity between hilly regions in Uttarakhand and bring down the average travel time to 20-25 minutes. This will also assist the Chaar Dhaam Yatra pilgrims.
- Pawan Hans Ltd. will operate thrice-weekly helicopter services on this route.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is provided to both operators and passengers under the UDAN scheme to keep the fares affordable for the common people.
- Accordingly the fare for these routes is Rs. 2900 per seat. MoCA awarded the Dehradun- New Tehri – Srinagar – Gauchar route to Pawan Hans Ltd. under the UDAN 2 bidding process.
- Two more networks connecting Dehradun to Ramnagar, Pantnagar, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Dehradun to Mussoorie will also be operationalized soon by Pawan Hans Ltd.
- Three rounds of UDAN have already been undertaken and so far close to 50 lakh passengers have travelled in UDAN flights covering airports in 19 States and 2 UTs. The fourth round of UDAN is under process.
- The Scheme has been able to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister and keep up the motto of “Sab Uden, Sab Juden”
- 274 UDAN routes have been operationalized so far connecting 45 airports and 3 heliports since the launch of the first UDAN flight in April 2017 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Shimla to Delhi.
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay
Links:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1642079