Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN has enhanced regional air connectivity by connecting hitherto unserved/underserved airports in remote areas of the country. On the basis of five rounds of bidding under UDAN scheme, 517 routes have so far commenced operations connecting 76 airports, including 9 Heliports & 2 Water Aerodrome.  More than 130 number of city pairs have been created due to commencement of UDAN flights. 2.47 lakh flights have operated under the UDAN scheme so far, carrying more than 130 lakh passengers.

The concessions offered under the scheme are as under:

Airport operators:

i) Airport operators not to levy Landing and Parking Charges on RCS Flights.

ii) AAI not to levy any Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on RCS Flights.

iii) Route Navigation and Facilitation Charges (RNFC) to be levied by AAI on a discounted basis @ 42.50% of Normal Rates on RCS Flights.

iv) Selected Airline operators (SAO) allowed self-ground handling for operations under the Scheme at all airports.

Central Government:

i) Excise Duty at the rate of 2% to be levied on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) purchased by SAOs from RCS Airports for initial period of three years from the date of notification of this scheme.

ii) SAOs have the freedom to enter into code sharing arrangements with both domestic as well as international airlines.;

States Government at RCS Airports within their States:

i) reduce VAT to 1% or less on ATF at RCS Airports located within the States for a period of 10 years.

ii) provide minimum land, if required, free of cost and free from encumbrances for development of RCS Airports and provide multi-modal hinterland connectivity as required.

iii) provide security and fire services free of cost at RCS Airports.

iv) provide or cause to be provided, electricity, water and other utility services at substantially concessional rates at RCS Airports.;

More than 130 lakh passengers have so far benefited from the Scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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YB/PS

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