UDAN – Next Phase (Viksit UDAN)

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister launched the next phase of UDAN – Viksit UDAN and inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport.

UDAN Scheme

• UDAN – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
• Launched in – October 2016 under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
• Type – Central Sector Scheme.
• Ministry – Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Implementing Agency – Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Objective – Affordable air travel, connect Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities.

Viksit UDAN (2026–2036)

• Infrastructure Development – 100 aerodromes from unserved airstrips, 200 modern helipads and operations maintenance support for regional airports

Aerodrome – Any location on land or water used for aircraft takeoffs, landings, and surface movements, all airports are aerodromes but all aerodromes are not airports.

• Viability Gap Funding (VGF) – Airlines will now receive financial support stretched over 5 years instead of 3.
• Funding gradually tapering off from the 3^rd year to ease routes into independent.

Reference

News on air | UDAN