Udan to Make Flying Cheaper for the Poor in India
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India took a major step today towards making flying a reality for the small-town common man.
The Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju launched the Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme “ UDAN” in New Delhi today.
UDAN, according to the government, is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for seat subsidies.
This scheme aims to create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns.
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Speaking on the occasion, Raju expressed hope that the first flight under the scheme would be able to take off by January next year. He said the scheme had been prepared after a lot of stakeholder consultation and called for support from all players to make it a success.
Also speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, said that the objective of the scheme was “Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik” (flying for the common citizen of the country).
He said this scheme ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development. It would provide a win-win situation for all stakeholders while the citizens would get the benefit of affordability, connectivity, and more jobs.
The government says that 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, it was stated.
Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau
