Regional Connectivity Scheme

Civil Aviation Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme “UDAN” Launched

Question: Recently Civil Aviation Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju launched the Ministry’s much awaited Regional Connectivity Scheme with which of the following name?
(a) SAFAR
(b) UDAN
(c) GARUN
(d) VISTAAR
Ans: (b)
Related facts:

  • On 21 October 2016 Civil Aviation Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju launched the Ministry’s much awaited Regional Connectivity Scheme “ UDAN” in New Delhi.
  • UDAN is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market.
  • The objective of the scheme is “Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik”.
  • This scheme ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development.
  • It would provide a win-win situation for all stakeholders – citizens would get the benefit of affordability, connectivity and more jobs.
  • The scheme UDAN envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports.
  • The scheme would be in operation for a period of 10 years.
  • UDAN has a unique market-based model to develop regional connectivity.
  • Interested airline and helicopter operators can start operations on hitherto un-connected routes by submitting proposals to the Implementing Agency.
  • The selected airline operator would have to provide a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 40 UDAN Seats ( subsidized rates )on the UDAN Flights for operations through fixed wing aircraft and a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 13 Seats on the Flights for operations through helicopters.
  • On each such route, the minimum frequency would be three and maximum of seven departures per week.
  • Route networks would also be encouraged under the scheme to achieve economies of scale and optimal usage of aircraft.
  • The fare for a one hour journey of appx. 500 km on a fixed wing aircraft or for a 30 minute journey on a helicopter would now be capped at Rs. 2,500, with proportionate pricing for routes of different stage lengths / flight duration.
  • A Regional Connectivity Fund would be created to meet the viability gap funding requirements under the scheme.
  • The RCF levy per departure will be applied to certain domestic flights.
  • The partner State Governments (other than North Eastern States and Union Territories where contribution will be 10 %) would contribute a 20% share to this fund.
  • For balanced regional growth, the allocations under the scheme would be equitably spread across the five geographical regions of the country viz. North, West, South, East and North-east.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=151850