"6 of Maharashtra's 9 Airports Now Operational Under UDAN Scheme"

The Ministry of Civil Aviation's initiative to revive and operate Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) flights under the UDAN scheme in Maharashtra has seen progress, with six out of nine identified airports now operational. These airports include Kolhapur, Jalgaon, Nanded, Nasik, Gondia, and Sindhudurg, while development efforts are underway at the remaining airports, as confirmed by the Ministry.

UDAN, a demand-driven scheme, relies on airline operators to assess route feasibility and submit bids accordingly. Airports included in the awarded routes of UDAN undergo necessary upgrades and development to facilitate UDAN operations under the 'Revival of unserved and underserved airports' scheme.

Currently, bidding is open for UDAN 5.2, aimed at enhancing connectivity to remote and regional areas, achieving last-mile connectivity, and boosting tourism through small aircraft (<20 seats). This scheme offers operational flexibility, allowing small aircraft operators to utilize up to 40% of annually quoted RCS seats and a minimum of 10% in any given quarter.

The scheme encompasses several unserved/underserved airstrips in Maharashtra, including Akola, Baramati, Chandrapur, Darna Camp, Deolali, Dhulia, Gondia, Jath, Karad, Kawalpur, Kudal, Latur (MADC), Lonavala Amby Valley, Osmanabad Phaltan, Ratnagiri, Shirpur, and Waluj, available for bidding.

Entrepreneur Ashok Jadhav commented, "UDAN scheme in Maharashtra has optimized air transportation, bridged connectivity gaps, and stimulated economic growth across the State." He also emphasized the scheme's role in addressing the unique needs of small aircraft operators and promoting tourism.

HBL