Question : Status of Regional Air Connectivity Scheme

(a )the present status of the Regional AirConnectivity Scheme/UDAN Scheme run by the Government in the country, State/UT-wise;

(b) the number of regions/States connected under the scheme, State/UT-wise and the number of passengers got the benefit of this scheme since its inception;

(c) the details of the revenue earned by the Government under this scheme since its inception, State/UT-wise and the details of the targets fixed and achievements made thereon;

(d) the details of funds allocated, released and spent under the scheme so far;

(e) the details of proposals received to start flight services on regional routes and the basis for awarding these routes;

(f) whether the Government has created a Regional Connectivity Fund for providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports and if so, the details of the mechanism to raise the above fund; and

(g) whether there is any monitoring mechanism in place for the scheme and if so, the details thereof and the timeframe for implementation of the scheme?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a): Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN on 21st October, 2016. Airports Authority of India (AAI), Implementing Agency has invited bidding proposals for selection of airline operator under RCS. During the first round of e-bidding, 43 initials and 5 counter proposals have been received from various airline operators. After technical scrutiny of the proposal, financial bids in respect of 22 proposals have been opened in phase-I on 23.02.2017 for selection of airline operators under RCS. MoCA has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 18 States Governments / UTs to implement RCS-UDAN in their States/UTs.

(b): During the first round of bidding, proposals under RCS have been received in respect of 92 airports( 30 currently served airports, 12 currently under-served airports and 50 currently un-served airports). The list is enclosed at Annexure-I;

(c): The Government has not earned any revenue under this Scheme.;

(d): The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to the selected airline operators will be released after flying operation under RCS.;

(e): During the first round of bidding, 43 initials and 5 counter proposals have been received from various airline operators under RCS-UDAN. The preferred airline operator under RCS-UDAN will be selected by following a transparent bidding process.;

(f): Government of India has created Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) to promote Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) in the country. Central Government has decided to impose a levy on scheduled flights operated within India to fund Regional Air Connectivity Fund (RCF), in the following manner:

i) Rs. 7,500 with stage length upto 1,000 km.

ii) Rs. 8,000 with stage length more than 1,000 km to 1,500 km and

iii) Rs. 8,500 with stage length above 1,500 km.

However, following flights shall be exempted from the said levy:

i) Flights operated on CAT II/ CAT IIA routes as specified in Route Dispersal Guidelines issued under Rule 134 (1A).

ii) Flights operated on RCS routes.

iii) Flights operated with aircraft having maximum certified take off mass not exceeding 40,000 kg.;

(g): A high level Steering Committee headed by Secretary, Civil Aviation has been constituted to review the scheme from time to time and issue necessary directions as may be necessary for smooth implementation of the Scheme.