The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), a government-backed initiative to improve infrastructure and connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions, completed six years.

It is a vital component of India's National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on October 21, 2016, with a 10-year vision.

The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by Prime Minister on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. The scheme focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions of the country and fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizens.

So far, RCS-UDAN has facilitated travel of more than 130 lakh passengers, demonstrating its success in enhancing air travel accessibility.

Over the period of 6 years, various versions of UDAN Scheme were launched. They are:

• UDAN 1.0: 5 airlines companies were awarded 128 flight routes to 70 airports (including 36 newly made operational airports)

• UDAN 2.0: 73 underserved and unserved airports were announced and for the first time, helipads were also connected.

• UDAN 3.0: In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Routes were included. In addition to Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes, several routes in the North-East Region came under the ambit of the scheme.

• UDAN 4.0: Gave impetus to North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands. The operation of helicopters and seaplanes incorporated.

• After the four successful rounds of bidding, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the 5th version of RCS-UDAN with numerous improvements based on stakeholder feedback.

A total of 75 airports have been operationalized under UDAN. 

About UDAN Scheme 

• UDAN is an initiative by the government to connect the country’s under-served and unserved airports. 

• UDAN is a regional connectivity scheme spearheaded by the Government of India (GoI). 

• UDAN acronym for ‘UdeDeshkaAamNagarik’ 

• It aims to develop smaller regional airports to allow common citizens easier access to aviation services.

• It is one of the new policies implemented since June 2016. 

• It is a part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of upgrading under-serviced air routes. 

• The UDAN scheme will run for 10 years 

Key Takeaways

• The first RCS-UDAN flight was initiated on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.

• RCS-UDAN has so far facilitated the travel of more than 1.3 crore passengers.

• RCS is one of the key elements of NCAP 2016, which envisions domestic ticketing of 50 crores by 2027.