What is the need for expanding regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the Government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

Regional aviation can connect remote regions to markets, healthcare, education and tourism while reducing spatial inequality.

Need and design

• UDAN uses viability-gap funding, capped fares and revival of underserved airports to make flying affordable.
• It supports balanced development, disaster response, jobs and multimodal economic corridors.

Achievements and gaps

• Routes and operational airports expanded, bringing first flights to smaller cities and improving regional mobility.
• Challenges include airline viability, high ATF taxes, weak airport infrastructure, seasonal demand and connectivity after subsidy ends.
• Improve feeder transport, maintenance ecosystems, State tax rationalisation, transparent route evaluation and green airport standards.

Keywords: UDAN, viability-gap funding, RCS, regional imbalance, multimodal connectivity.