The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched UDAN 5.1, an extension of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), to enhance connectivity to remote areas of India.

About Udan 5.1

• This round specifically focuses on helicopter routes, aiming to achieve last mile connectivity.
• It allows operators to operate routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area, such as hilly regions, islands, or North East states.

Features of the scheme

• Expanded Scope of Operations: Operators can now operate routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area, compared to the previous requirement of both points being in priority areas.
• Reduced Airfare Caps: Airfare caps for helicopter flights have been reduced by up to 25%, making flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.
• Increased Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Caps: VGF caps for operators using single and twin-engine helicopters have been substantially increased to enhance the financial viability of operating the awarded routes.
• Coverage Expansion: UDAN 5.1 aims to cover a significantly larger number of routes compared to previous rounds, further extending the benefits of air connectivity to unserved regions.