In this article, we’ll dive into a comprehensive list of initiatives rolled out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in recent years, each aimed at improving the lives of our fellow citizens across the nation. These schemes are vital in tackling various socio-economic challenges and moving closer to the vision of a welfare state outlined in our Constitution. Let’s explore these initiatives, their objectives, and some notable features that highlight their significance in enhancing the well-being of our people.

UDAN Scheme

UDAN stands as a groundbreaking initiative aiming to nurture the regional aviation sector. It operates on a market-driven approach where airlines compete for subsidies based on the number of seats they offer.

• This groundbreaking initiative aims to make flying affordable for everyone, offering economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes.
• The scheme will run for a period of ten years, providing sustained support to the aviation sector.
• Flights eligible for the scheme will operate on routes ranging from 200 km to 800 km. There are no specific distance requirements for hilly, remote, island, and other regions, ensuring accessibility to even the most secluded areas.
• State governments stand to benefit from the scheme through the development of remote regions, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
• By enhancing connectivity, the scheme aims to stimulate trade, commerce, and tourism, facilitating broader economic development.
• Underutilized and underserved airports across the country will be revived, providing vital connectivity to previously neglected regions.
• Airlines can apply for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and other concessions to sustain operations on these routes.
• The scheme seeks to make air travel accessible in Tier II and Tier III cities by capping fares at Rs 2,500 per one-hour flight, making it more affordable for a broader demographic.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will oversee the implementation of the scheme, ensuring its effective execution.
• The Union Government will subsidize losses incurred by airlines operating flights from dormant airports, incentivizing connectivity to these areas.

Digi Yatra

• It facilitates paperless travel and avoids identity checks at multiple points in an airport. Each passenger would get a unique Digi Yatra ID.
• It is a biometrics-based digital system for passengers entry and related requirements at the airport.

NABH (Nextgen Airports for Bharat)

• It aims to establish 100 airports in 10-15 years at an estimated investment of Rs 4 lakh crore, and a large percentage of the investment is to come from the private sector.
• It seeks expansion of the airport capacity more than five times to handle a billion trips a year.

Read Also: International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)