UDAN to promote regional connectivity

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN in October 2016, to promote regional air connectivity in the country including the North-Eastern region and creating additional infrastructure by revival of un-served and under-served airports/airstrips. The scheme was finalised after extensive consultation with all the stakeholders including state governments. The indicative list of under-served and un-served airports in India also includes defence airports. However, for such airports, approval from the Ministry of Defence needs to be obtained for permitting joint use/civil operation under the scheme. The primary objective of RCS is to stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable.