Why in news
- The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN completed ten years of implementation since its inception in October 2016.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced Modified UDAN to focus on operational sustainability and infrastructure upgrades.
Key terms
Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
A central grant provided to bridge the financial gap in economically desirable but financially unviable infrastructure projects.
Unserved Airport
An airport with no scheduled commercial flight operations prior to the launch of the RCS-UDAN scheme.
Underserved Airport
An airport that sees fewer than seven scheduled commercial flights per week.
National Civil Aviation Policy 2016
The parent policy framework designed to foster regional connectivity, safety, and domestic aviation market growth.
What is the UDAN Scheme?
- Launched on October 21, 2016, under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 to make regional air travel affordable and economically viable.
- Operates on a market-driven model where airlines bid for routes connecting unserved and underserved airports supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
Key Focus of Modified UDAN
- Shifts focus towards operational sustainability and self-sufficiency of regional routes after initial subsidy periods.
- Prioritises upgrading air transport infrastructure in remote, hilly, and northeastern regions including airports like Tezu, Deoghar, and Kishangarh.
Why it Matters
- Boosts regional economic integration by enabling quick movement of agricultural produce, medical access, and domestic tourism.
- Supports India's position as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally by creating last-mile air infrastructure.
Prelims facts
- UDAN was launched under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under UDAN is jointly funded by the Centre and participating State governments.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate the role of RCS-UDAN in reducing regional disparities and boosting local tourism and economic infrastructure.
- Examine the key challenges in operational sustainability faced by regional airlines operating on UDAN routes.
Source: PIB Delhi
समान विषय · पिछले पेपर
UPSC ने यह पहले भी पूछा है
ये पिछले वर्षों के प्रश्न उसी विषय पर हैं। अभ्यास के लिए खोलें।
-
2024 · Q92 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : India does not import apples from the United States of America. Statement-II : In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? -
2018 · Q57 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The Earth's magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years. 2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2018 · Q63 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?