Why in News
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped UDAN scheme with ₹28,840 crore outlay, extending airline subsidies and shifting funding to government budget support.
About UDAN Scheme
- Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik
- Launched: 2017
- Ministry: Civil Aviation
- Objective:
- Improve regional connectivity
- Make air travel affordable
- Develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 airports
Key Changes in Revamped UDAN
1. Subsidy Extended
- Earlier subsidy period: 3 years
- New subsidy period: 5 years
- Purpose:
- Improve route viability
- Prevent route discontinuation
2. Funding Shift
- Earlier: Subsidy funded through levy on airfares
- Now: Subsidy funded directly from government exchequer
Why Revamp Was Needed
- Many routes became non viable after subsidy ended
- CAG findings: Only 7% to 10% routes viable after subsidy
- Status of routes:
- Total routes launched: 663
- Routes discontinued: 327
- Airports revived: Total: 95
- Discontinued: 15 airports
| [2024] Consider the following airports: 1 Donyi Polo Airport 2 Kushinagar International Airport 3 Vijayawada International Airport In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
