The government has given contracts to private companies to operate flights and helicopters under the second round of regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). Airports authority of India (AAI), the implementing agency, has issued letter of awards for 90 proposals received under the scheme after completion of the second round of bidding.

Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said that in pursuance of the ease of doing business policy and UDAN, several initiatives have been taken under UDAN-2 scheme like expanding priority areas to J&K, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand, north eastern region, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands. 

UDAN 2 will connect 43 airports and helipads in our priority sector- north-east and the hilly states, the minister said.

UDAN 2 - connecting 73 new airports and helipads, adding 29 lakh seats annually. Under @narendramodi ji’s guidance, this government is transforming the aviation ecosystem, making it affordable and accessible to the common man. pic.twitter.com/ucsIx2PPXC

— Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) January 24, 2018

Key features of the proposals awarded by AAI include connecting total 78 airports including 36 currently served airports, 13 currently underserved airports and 29 currently unserved airports.

Besides, 31 helipads will be connected through helicopters.

The government expects that the fixed wing aircraft proposals will provide around 26.5 lakh RCS seats per annum and around 2 lakhs seats to be provided through helicopter operations. For fixed wing aircraft, there is a fare cap of Rs 2,500 for one hour of flying.