Citizens can fly high now, 128 new air routes under UDAN

The ministry of civil aviation on Thursday awarded 128 new air routes to five operators under UDAN. The fares for the new routes will be capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights. The move is a push for regional connectivity flights under the government's Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik scheme.

Over 45 unserved and under-served airports would be connected under the scheme that seeks to make flying more affordable. "UDAN network will cover the whole country, giving a major economic boost to hinterland areas", said Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Addressing the press, he added that the UDAN scheme would have positive effects on the economy, in terms of employment and investment.

According to the ministry, routes have been awarded to Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha and Turbo Megha. The operators would be operating 19-78 seater aircraft. Bhatinda, Puducherry and Shimla airports would be connected under the scheme.

"The first flight under Regional Connectivity Scheme will take place in April. Criterion on the basis of which airlines were selected was the extent of viability gap funding demanded by them," said MoS Aviation Jayant Sinha.

50 per cent of the seats would have a cap of Rs 2,500 per seat for every flight under one-hour flight duration. Rs 205 crore per annum for is the current estimate for the operators chosen in the first round of bidding. The scheme provides for various benefits including no airport charges and three-year exclusivity on the routes.

OneIndia News