Government Introduces UDAN 5.1: Enhancing Remote Connectivity via Helicopters

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced UDAN 5.1 with the aim of bolstering connectivity to remote regions in the country and establishing vital links through helicopter services.

This round of RCS-UDAN marks a significant milestone as it exclusively focuses on helicopter routes.

According to an official statement by the ministry, “UDAN 5.1 permits operators to conduct operations on routes where either the point of origin or the destination is located in a priority area. Previously, both points had to be within priority areas.”

According to the announcement, the new initiative aims to enhance affordability for passengers by reducing airfare caps by up to 25%, making helicopter travel more accessible. Additionally, under Udan 5.1, the Ministry has significantly raised the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for both single and twin-engine helicopter operators. This increase in funding aims to improve the financial viability of operating the designated routes.

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, expressed his views on the latest round of the UDAN scheme, highlighting two emerging trends in the Indian civil aviation industry. Firstly, he emphasized the democratization of air travel, particularly with a focus on improving last-mile connectivity. Secondly, he noted the increasing demand for helicopters in promoting tourism. He believes that expanding helicopter services through such initiatives will contribute to the growth of tourism, hospitality, and local economies in India’s remote and underserved regions. Hence, UDAN 5.1 is expected to bring about a new era not only for civil aviation but also for the development of remote areas in India.

The authorities have developed the current version of the scheme in consultation with all stakeholders, including helicopter operators. While the primary objective is to enhance last-mile connectivity, it is anticipated that this initiative will also provide a much-needed boost to the helicopter segment of the Indian civil aviation industry, addressing its specific needs and challenges.

Previous rounds of the scheme have operationalized a total of 46 helicopter routes, bringing benefits to various hilly and North Eastern states. The current phase aims to expand the coverage to a significantly higher number of routes, as mentioned in the statement.

The UDAN scheme has brought air connectivity to passengers, granted airlines concessions for operating regional routes, and provided direct and indirect benefits of air connectivity to underserved regions, aiding in their economic development. This latest iteration of the scheme represents another stride toward realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of enabling affordable air travel for the common man, even to remote destinations across the country.

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