UDAN 5.2 Takes Flight, Connecting Remote Areas with 22 New Routes
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a significant moment in India’s aviation history as the Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, inaugrated UDAN 5.2. Building on the success of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), this latest version, UDAN 5.2, is specifically designed to focus on helicopter routes.
With a strong focus on enhancing connectivity to remote and underserved regions, UDAN 5.2 aims to achieve last-mile connectivity through small aircraft, particularly those with 1A (<9 seats) and Category 1 (<20 seats).
The latest launch comes with the announcement of 22 new routes, ensuring that even the most far-flung areas of the country are now accessible via air travel. This move is a significant step towards empowering citizens in remote regions and boosting economic development.
The UDAN scheme has been a game-changer, revolutionizing air travel for passengers with improved connectivity and providing airlines with concessions for regional routes. The initiative has also contributed to the overall economic development of previously unserved areas. UDAN 5.2 takes this vision further by making air travel more affordable and convenient for people in far-off destinations across India.
The inauguration of UDAN 5.2 took place during the highly anticipated Heli Summit 2023, themed “Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small Aircraft.” The summit brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Among the notable developments are the approval of Greenfield airports, including locations in Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Puducherry, and Sikkim. These additions demonstrate the success of the Regional Connectivity UDAN Scheme in expanding aviation infrastructure.
At the summit, Minister Scindia emphasized the democratization of India’s civil aviation and highlighted the vital role played not only by major airports and airlines but also by small town airports, regional airlines, and helicopters in expanding the industry’s reach.
In line with the government’s Digital India initiative, Minister Scindia introduced the innovative HeliSewa mobile application, designed to streamline approvals and enhance the user experience for helicopter operators and district authorities. This application aims to make air travel more convenient and accessible for all.
The event also marked a significant collaboration as Pawan Hans and Jetserve signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ushering in a new era of partnership and cooperation in the aviation industry.
With UDAN 5.2 in operation and the advancements in the helicopter and small aircraft sector, India is taking bold strides towards achieving seamless connectivity for its citizens, regardless of their location.
