Jan 25, 2017: The first flight is likely to take off next month for “Äam Naagrik”. This opportunity for the benefits of commoner will be available under the government’s ambitious regional connectivity Scheme, named UDAN (Ude Desh Ke Aam Naagrik). The objective of UDAN is to enhance regional air connectivity. Under the Scheme, the fare for a one hour journey of approximately 500 kilometre on a fixed wing aircraft or for a 30 minute journey on a helicopter will be capped at Rs 2500 under the scheme.
Minister of state for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said, Airports Authority of India has received 45 initial proposals from 11 bidders covering more than 190 routes under UDAN. He said, there are 75 operational airport in the country at present and 43 new airports will be added after the implementation of UDAN scheme.
The scheme was launched in October in 2016 aiming to provide connectivity to unserved and under served regions. Udan envisages to attain this through revival of existing air strips and airports. The Minister said, the scheme is likely to give a major boost to tourism activities and henceforth employment generation in hinterland.
