UDAN 2.0 Takes Flight: Government Allocates Rs 28,840 Crore to Boost Regional Connectivity Over Next Decade
The Union Cabinet has paved the way for a major expansion of India's civil aviation sector by approving the Modified UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme). With a massive allocation of ₹28,840 crore, the scheme is set to operate for a decade from FY 2026-27 to 2035-36. This next phase of the "Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik" initiative focuses on revitalizing underserved and unserved airports, heliports, and water aerodromes. By lowering the barriers to air travel for the common citizen, the government aims to integrate remote regions into the national economic mainstream and boost regional tourism.
Beyond simple transport, the Modified UDAN serves as a catalyst for "Competitive Federalism." States are increasingly partnering with the Center to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and provide land for airport expansion to attract more flights. This phase is also expected to place a heavier emphasis on the "Heli-UDAN" and "Water Aerodromes" segments, which are crucial for the hilly terrains of the Northeast and the coastal regions. For aspirants, it is essential to analyze UDAN not just as a transport scheme, but as a socio-economic tool that democratizes the skies. It bridges the gap between the "Metros" and the "Hinterlands," directly contributing to India’s goal of becoming the world’s third-largest aviation market.
Launched in October 2016, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP). It is a first-of-its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional connectivity through a market-based mechanism.
- First Flight: The inaugural UDAN flight took off in April 2017 from Shimla to Delhi.
- VGF: Viability Gap Funding is a financial grant provided to airlines to bridge the gap between operating costs and expected revenues.
- RCF: The Regional Connectivity Fund is primarily financed by a levy on flights on trunk routes.
- Implementing Agency: Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- Components: Includes Houselisting for new airports, revitalizing old airstrips, and developing Heliports and Water Aerodromes.
1. What is the full form of the 'UDAN' scheme?
2. What is the total budget allocated for the Modified UDAN scheme over the next ten years?
3. In which year was the inaugural flight of the UDAN scheme launched?
4. Which organization is the designated 'Implementing Agency' for the UDAN scheme?
5. What does 'VGF' stand for in the context of regional aviation connectivity?
6. Modified UDAN includes the development of 'Water Aerodromes'. Which type of aircraft primarily uses these?
7. The 'Regional Connectivity Fund' (RCF) is primarily funded through a levy on which of the following?
8. Which of the following is NOT a category of flight operations under UDAN?
9. International UDAN is a sub-scheme aimed at connecting which Indian region to neighboring countries?
10. What percentage of seats on a UDAN flight are typically subsidized and capped at a certain price?
11. Krishi UDAN is a variant of the scheme launched to help which group of people?
12. Which ministry oversees the UDAN scheme?
13. A 'Greenfield' airport refers to what?
14. Lifeline UDAN was launched during which major crisis to transport essential medical supplies?
15. The Modified UDAN scheme is scheduled to run until which fiscal year?