Modified UDAN Scheme Context: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur airport and launched the modified UDAN Scheme. About Modified UDAN Scheme A key emphasis is on the development of 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, supported by an outlay of over Rs 12,000 crore, to expand aviation infrastructure across the country. Additionally, an investment of ₹3,661 crore will fund the creation of 200 modern helipads, and a continued Viability Gap Funding of ₹10,043 crore for airlines to sustain regional airline operations. The scheme promotes the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, for operations in underserved and remote regions. About UDAN Scheme The Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme is a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) launched in October 2016 by the Government of India to enhance air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions. Objectives: Improve regional connectivity across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Make air travel affordable for common citizens. Promote balanced regional development. Enhance the infrastructure utilisation of unused and underutilised airports. The mission has two parts. First, make air travel affordable on short regional sectors where train journeys take 10-18 hours. Second, revive unserved and underserved airports — places that had runways but no scheduled commercial flights. The first UDAN flight took off on 27 April 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. Key Features: Airlines are selected through a competitive bidding mechanism. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is provided to airlines to operate on less profitable routes. The Airports Authority of India has also waived off the airport fee for the same. At the same time, the state governments are also providing security, electricity, and fire-fighting facilities free of cost. 50% of seats are offered at a capped fare of around Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight. Focus on connecting…
