Why in News ?
78 new routes under the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)- UdeDesh Ka AamNagrik (UDAN) have been approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
New Routes Approved UDAN 4.0
- The North Eastern Region, Hilly States and Islands have been given priority.
- This is a special boost to the connectivity in North East.
- Agatti, Kavaratti and Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep have also been connected by the new routes.
- The airports that had already been developed by AAI are given higher priority for the award of VGF(Viability Gap Funding) under the Scheme.
- Besides UDAN 4 also incorporated the service of of helicopter and seaplanes.
UDAN
- Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)- UdeDesh Ka AamNagrik
- It was launched under Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016.
- It aims to stimulate regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable to the masses.
- 766 Routes Sanctioned so far under the Scheme.
- During UDAN 1.0, five airline companies were awarded 128 routes to 70 airports.
- In 2018 announced 73 underserved and unserved airports, helipads were introduced.
- During the 3rd Phase UDAN 3 tourist places were included to boost tourism promotion, included seaplanes and North East region.
Source : PIB
Topic
Prelims : UDAN
GS III : Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
Current Affairs Compilation : 28 August 2020