Indian gov’t rolls out UDAN 4 routes

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved 78 new routes under the fourth round of its Regional Connectivity Scheme (UdeDeshKaAamNagrik – UDAN/RCS) to further enhance connectivity to remote and regional parts of the country. In this latest round of allocations airports in the North Eastern Region, in Hilly States, and Islands have been given priority in the approval process.  “Following the three successful rounds of bidding, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had launched the 4th round of UDAN in December 2019 with a special focus on North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands,” Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, said. “The awarding of these 78 routes under UDAN 4 is in line with the Act East Policy of the Central Government. The airports that had already been developed by AAI are given higher priority for the award of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the scheme. Under UDAN 4, the operation of helicopter and seaplanes has also been incorporated. Since its inception, MoCA has operationalised 274 UDAN routes that have connected 45 airports and 3 heliports.” Inclusive of UDAN 1, 2, and 3, a total of 766 routes have been sanctioned so far under the subsidisation scheme.