Second round of UDAN launched -Governance Now

Second round of UDAN launched

Thrust on improving connectivity to North East, J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshdweep

GN Bureau | August 25, 2017

#Regional connectivity #UDAN #helicopter service #civil aviation policy

Civil aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju has announced that the process for bidding for the second round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN started from August 24.

Raju told the media the thrust will be on improving connectivity to priority areas like the North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshdweep by introducing more operational flexibility and promoting helicopter operations.

He said that the changes in the second round of UDAN had been brought in after extensive consultations with stakeholders over the past four months.

UDAN is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) which was rolled out by the ministry of civil aviation on June 15, 2016. UDAN was unveiled in October, 2016 with an objective to stimulate affordable regional air connectivity for the masses.

Helicopter operations under the scheme are limited to priority areas only. To encourage this, the viability gap funding (VGF) caps for helicopters has been increased and 10 percent of the estimated annual inflows in the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) will be earmarked for helicopter operations.

All 13 passenger seats for helicopters will be considered as RCS seats and VGF will be provided accordingly. The methodology for computing flight duration for helicopters has also been revised.

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