Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik)

Current Context : PM inaugurated Saharanpur, Rewa and Ambikapur airports in Uttar Pradesh as part of the celebrations under RCS-UDAN.

About

• RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) is a central sector scheme aimed at improving regional air connectivity in India.
• Launched:2016 as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy
• Purpose: To make air travel affordable for the masses, especially in remote areas.

Benefits:

• Subsidized seats for passengers (capped fares)
• Government support to airlines (Viability Gap Funding)
• Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) for self-financing
• The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated in 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
• Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Civil Aviation
• Implementing Agency: Airports Authority of India (AAI).