Centre Proposes Rs 28,840 Crore for Next Phase of Regional Air Connectivity
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Union Civil Aviation Minister announced a proposed Rs 28,840 crore outlay over 10 years for the next phase of the regional air connectivity scheme. This aims to enhance air connectivity to underserved regions, boost tourism, and support economic growth.
Background
The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable and widespread. The first phase focused on reviving unserved and underserved airports. The next phase proposes significant expansion.
Key facts
Proposed budgetary support: Rs 28,840 crore over 10 years.
Funds will cover viability gap funding (VGF) for airlines operating on regional routes.
Plan includes development of 100 new airports and 200 heliports across India.
Announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
Aims to improve connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well as remote areas.
Expected to boost tourism, trade, and regional economic development.
The scheme is part of the UDAN initiative under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Prelims pointers
- Scheme: Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN
- Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Funding: Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
- Target: 100 new airports, 200 heliports
- Budget: Rs 28,840 crore over 10 years
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of regional air connectivity in India's economic development and social integration.
- Critically examine the challenges in implementing the UDAN scheme, including viability gap funding and airport infrastructure.
- Analyze the impact of improved air connectivity on tourism and regional disparities in India.