UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme

The Prime Minister launches the next phase of UDAN, called Viksit UDAN, and inaugurates the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport. The developments keep the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme in news due to the rollout of a new phase and associated infrastructure and funding provisions.

UDAN - Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS):

Dimension	Key Details
Full form	UDAN provides for “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.”
Launch	UDAN is launched in October 2016 under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Scheme type	UDAN is a Central Sector Scheme.
Nodal ministry	UDAN is governed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Implementing agency	UDAN is implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Objective	UDAN provides for affordable air travel and connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Viksit UDAN timeline	Viksit UDAN applies to the period 2026–2036.
Viksit UDAN infrastructure provisions	Viksit UDAN comprises infrastructure development provisions: 100 aerodromes from unserved airstrips, 200 modern helipads, and operations maintenance support for regional airports.
Aerodrome definition	An aerodrome comprises any location on land or water used for aircraft takeoffs, landings, and surface movements, and all airports are aerodromes but all aerodromes are not airports.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) change	Under VGF, airlines now receive financial support stretched over 5 years instead of 3 years, with funding tapering off from the 3rd year.