UDAN - Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik

Why is in news? Azad Bharat Ki Baat- Akashvani Ke Saath: Story of the Civil Aviation Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN

• All India Radio is celebrating 75 years of freedom with a series, Azad Bharat Ki Baat- Akashvani Ke Saath. It showcases the journey of India since independence in various walks of life through the story telling of All India Radio.
• Ministry of Civil Aviation had launched its Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN, Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik on 27th April 2017.
• It is a regional airport development program of the Government of India and part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of upgrading under-serviced air routes. Its goal is to make air travel affordable and improve economic development in India.
• The scheme aims to fulfil the aspirations of the common citizen by following the vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities
• The scheme was designed to jump-start the regional aviation market, improving viability of regional air connectivity by making flying affordable for the common populace.
• UDAN 2 - focuses on hilly areas, and North Eastern and island states,
• UDAN 3 - focuses on Seaplanes operations to develop water aerodromes.
• UDAN 4 - focuses on shorter routes to facilitate the development of regional hubs.
• In the last five years, UDAN has significantly increased the regional air-connectivity in the country.
• There were 74 operational airports in 2014. Because of the UDAN scheme this number has increased to 141 by now. 68 underserved or un-served destinations have been connected under UDAN scheme.
• With 425 new routes initiated under the scheme, UDAN has provided air connectivity to more than 29 States and Union Territories across the length and breadth of the country. More than one crore passengers have availed the benefits of this scheme as on 4th August 2022.
• Lifeline UDAN initiative commenced in March 2020 during COVID-19 period and it helped to operate 588 flights transporting almost 1000 Tonnes of cargo and essential medical services to various parts of the country.
• Krishi UDAN Scheme was launched in August 2020, on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realisation.