New Delhi: Regional air connectivity is an important goal for the Indian government, as air passenger traffic is expected to reach 40 crore by 2029. During a conference in New Delhi on Monday, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam stressed the country’s aviation sector’s enormous growth potential.
Reflecting on the sector’s expansion, Vualnam noted that a decade ago, passenger traffic stood at 11 crore , which has since doubled to 22 crore. He stated, “There is aspiration among people for air travel,” underscoring the increasing demand for air connectivity across the nation.
About Regional Connection Scheme
The Regional Connection Scheme (RCS), often known as UDAN (“Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik” – Let the common citizen of the country fly), aims to improve connection from neglected and left out airports, making air travel more inexpensive and accessible. Since its launch in October 2016, the plan has established 613 routes that connect 87 unserved and neglected airports, including 13 heliports and two water aerodromes. As of November 30, 2024, over 146 lakh domestic passengers had taken off on nearly 2.86 lakh RCS flights.
Measures taken to enhance connectivity
Vualnam also mentioned that efforts are underway to develop the necessary ecosystem for the operations of helicopters and seaplanes, further enhancing regional connectivity. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to tap into the vast potential of India’s aviation sector, ensuring that air travel becomes a viable option for a larger segment of the population.
In addition to expanding connectivity, the government is focusing on infrastructure development, policy reforms, and fostering a conducive environment for private sector participation to sustain the momentum in the aviation industry.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments from the aviation industry.
