Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, continues to redefine air travel dynamics in India by significantly expanding connectivity from unserved and underserved airports across the nation. The scheme has seen substantial progress, with 517 routes now operational, connecting 76 airports, including 9 Heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes.
However, out of the 1,300 valid routes awarded, 501 have been canceled due to various reasons such as airline shutdowns and aerodrome unpreparedness. Of the remaining 799 routes, 201 have completed the prescribed 3-year tenure. Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gen. (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), disclosed these developments in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.
Implemented through a market-driven approach, RCS-UDAN allows interested airlines to propose routes based on their assessments of demand during the bidding process. Upon identification and validation through bids, the scheme facilitates the revival and enhancement of existing airstrips under the ‘Revival of Unserved and Underserved Airports’ program, subsequently awarding them to Selected Airline Operators (SAOs).
Recent modifications in the scheme
To optimize the scheme’s effectiveness, recent modifications have been made based on stakeholder feedback. These changes include the removal of the 500 km stage length ceiling under UDAN 5.0, listing ready or soon-to-be-operational airports, awarding routes exclusively where airports are prepared for operations, and mandating route operationalization plans with bid submissions.
An additional significant change permits Selected Airline Operators to transfer their operating rights (novation) to another airline operator post the execution of the agreement.