- SFG FRC 2027 | Program starts from 19th Dec. 2026 | Admissions open for Entrance Test Click Here to know more →
- Prelims Test Series (PTS) for Prelims 2027 starts 11th Oct. 2026 Click Here to know more →
- [Pre-order] Ethics Redbook 3rd Edition: Delivery starts from 10th October onwards Click Here to Read More →
- 21 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 11th Oct. Click Here to Read More →
Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1, specifically designed for helicopter routes” published in the PIB on 24th May 2023
What is the News?
Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) UDAN 5.1.
What is the UDAN Scheme?
| Must read: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme |
About UDAN 5.1
Aim: To further enhance the connectivity to remote areas of the country and achieve last mile connectivity through helicopters.
Salient features:
a) The scheme will now allow routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area. Earlier both points had to be in priority areas.
b) Airfare caps have been reduced by as much as 25% to make flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.
c) Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for the operators have been increased substantially for both single and twin-engine helicopters to enhance financial viability for operating the awarded routes.
Significance:
-For the first time under RCS-UDAN, this round is designed specifically for helicopter routes. Greater helicopter penetration will help boost tourism, hospitality, and thus, local economies.
-Till date 46 helicopter routes have been operationalized under previous rounds of the scheme benefitting a number of hilly and North East states. This round is targeting coverage of a much larger number of routes.
| Read more: Ministry of Civil Aviation Launches UDAN 5.0 |
