(a) whether most of the routes awarded under UDAN Scheme for regional connectivity are not active at present especially in Karnatka and Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(c) the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))
(a) to (c): Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 21-10-2016 to facilitate / stimulate regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable to the masses. UDAN is market driven scheme. Interested airlines based on their assessment of demand on particular routes submit their proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN. Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Implementing Agency, has awarded 948 routes under UDAN. Out of these 948 awarded routes, 403 UDAN routes have commenced connecting 65 UDAN airports including 2 water aerodromes & 8 heliports, as on 14.12.2021.
AAI, the Implementing Agency, has awarded 105 UDAN routes in Maharashtra. 55 routes have been commenced by the Selected Airline Operators (SAOs). Due to non-compliance with the provisions of agreement by SAOs, 20 routes have been cancelled by AAI
AAI, the Implementing Agency, has awarded 126 UDAN routes in Karnataka. 88 routes have been commenced by the Selected Airline Operators (SAOs). Due to non-compliance with the provisions of agreement by SAOs, 24 routes have been cancelled by AAI.;
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Transparent bidding process are conducted/undertaken periodically under the Scheme. The routes including cancelled/terminated are offered in the bidding under the Scheme.