78 more regional routes part of Udan 4.0 launch
Box
4 yrs, 766 routes
Launched in 2016, the Centre has awarded 766 routes under Udan scheme
The aim is to improve regional connectivity to unserved or underserved airports
The 78 routes will cause approximate monthly viability gap funding outflow of Rs 15 crore
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 26
Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said Udan 4.0 was ready for launch and 78 additional routes would be awarded in this phase to establish air connectivity to several unserved destinations.
The Udan scheme is framed to provide financial incentives from the Centre, state governments and airport operators to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and underserved airports at affordable airfares.
“Udan 4.0 is ready to go. Seventy-eight additional routes have now been approved, taking the total number of sanctioned routes to 766,” tweeted Puri. He said 18 unserved or underserved airports would be connected to major cities, including Delhi, Kolkata and Kochi.
The government had launched the Udan scheme in 2016 to improve regional connectivity. At least half of the seats in Udan flights are offered at subsidised fares and the participating carriers are provided a certain amount of viability gap funding, an amount shared between the Centre and the state concerned.
The minister said the 78 “unique” routes would cause an approximately monthly VGF outflow of Rs 15 crore.
“The economic and tourism opportunities that these flights will facilitate will contribute towards the making of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Puri.
