UDAN 5.5: Boosting Air Connectivity in Remote India

What is UDAN 5.5 All About?

UDAN 5.5: Boosting Air Connectivity in Remote India: The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has taken a major leap with the introduction of its 5.5 version. The latest phase is all about improving regional connectivity with a special focus on remote, hilly, and island areas. For the first time, this version integrates seaplanes and helicopters to connect isolated locations, making air travel more inclusive for every Indian.

Making Air Travel Accessible

The core objective of UDAN 5.5 is to bring air services closer to people living in less accessible zones. This includes linking 80 water bodies like ponds, rivers, and dams through seaplane routes. The initiative also seeks to support tourism growth and create economic value in rural and border areas by improving last-mile connectivity through smaller aircraft.

How Will the Scheme Work?

Unlike earlier phases, UDAN 5.5 allows operators to use aircraft with fewer than 20 seats, especially seaplanes and helicopters. Around 400 helipads have been identified for deployment. This opens up participation from smaller aviation firms, enabling flexibility in operations and expanding access to places where traditional runways don’t exist.

Bidding and Government Support

Operators keen to offer services under UDAN 5.5 must go through a bidding process. The government offers Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to make unprofitable routes sustainable. This financial support ensures that even if the passenger load is low, services continue without operators incurring losses. It’s a model that encourages private participation while fulfilling public needs.

Learning from Global Models

India has attempted seaplane services before, including a project in Gujarat, but most were discontinued due to cost constraints and the pandemic. Now, UDAN 5.5 draws inspiration from countries like the Maldives, which uses over 200 seaplanes as a lifeline for tourism. The goal is to create a similar environment where remote tourism flourishes and accessibility improves across the board.

What the Future Holds

Over the next five years, the scheme aims to launch 50+ seaplane routes and set up 20–25 aerodromes suitable for small aircraft and water landings. Industry analysts forecast a demand for at least 30 new small aircraft to meet route requirements. With improved infrastructure and demand, affordable air travel may soon become a reality in India’s most unreachable pockets.

Transforming Regional India

Since its inception in 2016, UDAN has changed how Indians travel. More than 1.5 crore passengers have flown under this scheme, and over 619 regional routes have been activated. The number of operational airports in the country has steadily grown, reflecting the positive impact on regional economies, mobility, and employment.

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