UDAN: AAM NAGRIK SOARING TO GREATER HEIGHTS

THE CONTEXT: On November 17, 2024, the Indian aviation sector achieved a significant milestone, with 5,05,412 domestic passengers flying daily. This marked the first time daily passenger numbers crossed the 5-lakh mark. This achievement underscores the scheme’s success in transforming India’s aviation landscape.

THE INTRODUCTION: UDAN, which stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (Let the Common Man Fly), is a regional airport development program launched by the Government of India on October 21, 2016. The scheme aims to make air travel accessible and affordable for the common citizen of India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of seeing “people wearing slippers boarding planes.”

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND DEVELOPMENT: The UDAN scheme has evolved through several phases since its inception:

• • UDAN 1.0 (2017): Awarded 128 flight routes and operationalized 36 new airports.
  • UDAN 2.0: Added helipad connectivity and underserved airports.
  • UDAN 3.0: Introduced tourism routes, seaplanes, and focused on the North-East.
  • UDAN 4.0: Expanded operations to hilly regions, islands, and helicopters.
  • UDAN 5.0 series (5.0 to 5.4): Removed distance caps, prioritized operational airports, boosted helicopter and small aircraft connectivity, and reactivated discontinued routes.

The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in Indian aviation.

KEY FEATURES OF UDAN: The UDAN scheme operates on a market-driven model, where airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds. Key features include:

• • Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to incentivize airlines.
  • Concessions from airport operators, central government, and state governments.
  • Capped airfares for a certain number of seats on each flight.
  • Focus on connecting underserved and unserved airports.

IMPACT ON THE AVIATION INDUSTRY:

• • Growth of regional carriers: Airlines like Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91 have emerged and developed sustainable business models.
  • Expansion of aircraft fleet: The scheme has generated demand for various aircraft types, from small Cessna 208B Grand Caravans to larger Airbus A320/321s.
  • Boost to tourism: UDAN has improved connectivity to destinations like Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer).

IMPLEMENTATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

• • Operationalized 609 routes, including helicopter services.
  • Connected states and Union Territories across India.

Transformed several airports:

• • Darbhanga Airport: Handled over 5 lakh passengers in FY 2023-24.
  • Jharsuguda Airport: Served over 2 lakh passengers in FY 2023-24.
  • Pithoragarh Airport: Began operations in January 2019.
  • Tezu Airport: Accommodated approximately 12,000 passengers in FY 2023-24.
  • On October 20, 2024, three new airports were inaugurated under the scheme: Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

• • Enhanced regional connectivity: Improved access to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
  • Job creation: Both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the aviation sector and related industries.
  • Promotion of tourism: Increased accessibility to various tourist destinations, boosting local economies.
  • Last-mile connectivity: Improved access to remote and underserved areas.

CHALLENGES:

• • Sustainability of routes: Ensuring long-term viability of less profitable routes.
  • Infrastructure development: Upgrading existing airports and building new ones to meet growing demand.
  • Environmental considerations: Balancing increased air travel with environmental sustainability goals.

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

• • Further expansion of the scheme to more remote areas.
  • Integration with other modes of transport for seamless connectivity.
  • Adoption of green technologies to reduce the environmental impact of increased air travel.

WAY FORWARD:

• • Sustainable Route Development: Introduce a tiered Viability Gap Funding (VGF) system based on route performance and passenger load factors. Encourage airlines to develop complementary revenue streams, such as cargo services on UDAN routes. The Shimla-Delhi route, which started as a UDAN route, has become commercially viable without subsidies, demonstrating the potential for route sustainability.
  • Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion: Allocate additional funds for infrastructure development, targeting 100 new airports by 2030. Implement green building standards for all new airport constructions. Develop multi-modal transportation hubs at UDAN airports to improve last-mile connectivity. Investing in airport infrastructure is crucial for the long-term success of UDAN. It improves passenger experience and attracts more airlines to operate on these routes.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Incentivize airlines to use fuel-efficient aircraft on UDAN routes. Implement a carbon offset program for UDAN flights. Promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use through tax incentives and mandates.
  • Skill Development and Job Creation: Establish aviation training centers in UDAN-served regions. Collaborate with state governments to create aviation-focused vocational courses. Implement a quota system for local employment in UDAN airports and airlines. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to train over 10,000 youth in aviation-related skills, which can be expanded under UDAN.
  • Technology Integration: Implement a unified digital platform for UDAN bookings across all airlines. Introduce AI-powered demand forecasting to optimize route planning. Deploy IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of airport operations and maintenance. NITI Aayog suggests that integrating emerging technologies can significantly enhance the efficiency of regional aviation operations.
  • Tourism and Regional Economic Development: In collaboration with state tourism departments, develop tourism circuits around UDAN airports. Introduce special UDAN tourism packages combining air travel with local experiences. Establish air cargo hubs at strategic UDAN airports to boost regional trade.

THE CONCLUSION:

The UDAN scheme has significantly transformed India’s aviation landscape, making air travel accessible to millions of citizens. It has not only fulfilled the aspirations of countless Indians but also stimulated economic growth and job creation. As the scheme continues to evolve, it promises to play a crucial role in India’s vision of a connected and prosperous nation.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. What is the need to expand regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Discuss the significance of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme in enhancing regional connectivity in India. How has it contributed to the growth of the aviation sector?

SOURCE:

https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153437&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1