The implementation of the regional air-connectivity scheme, UDAN, will see the number of operational airports in the country shoot up by over 50.
The cost of travelling will come down to as low as ?2,500 for up to an hour of air journey.
Currently, there are 75 small operational airports in the country, and this number will increase to over 125 with the successful implementation of UDAN.
UDAN or (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) - the new scheme through which the government hopes to make flying viable to Tier II and III cities is being implemented for building new airports, adding new terminals and improving the efficiency of existing terminals,
Drawing reference to Jharkhand, Centre will be able to connect all major cities of the State in 1-2 years.
With air traffic growing by over 20 per cent, there will be “capacity constraints”, he said, but the Centre is taking all possible actions to ensure decongestion and utilisation of existing capacities.
Cost of flying is progressively coming down because of technology and if oil prices come down, this will be an affordable transport for the masses
Disruption in mass transport is also on the anvil with companies such as Hyperloop proposing new-age rapid-transit options.
Benefits of UDAN: Know More- The scheme ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development. It would provide a win-win situation for all stakeholders - citizens would get the benefit of affordability, connectivity and more jobs.
- The Centre would be able to expand the regional air connectivity and market.
- The state governments would reap the benefit of development of remote areas, enhance trade and commerce and more tourism expansion.
- For incumbent airlines there was the promise of new routes and more passengers while for and start-up airlines there is the opportunity of new, scalable business.
- Airport operators will also see their business expanding as would original equipment manufacturers.
About UDAN
- The scheme UDAN envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports.
- The scheme would be in operation for a period of 10 years.
- UDAN has a unique market-based model to develop regional connectivity.
