The RCS-UDAN initiative, which marks its seventh anniversary, aims to bolster infrastructure and connectivity across India, particularly in remote and underserved areas. It is a key element of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on October 21, 2016, with a vision spanning ten years.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the RCS-UDAN initiative, recalling its first flight on April 27, 2017, which connected Shimla to Delhi. The scheme is designed to enhance air travel accessibility by opening up unserved routes in underserved regions, catering to the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
Since its inception, RCS-UDAN has successfully facilitated travel for over 14.4 million passengers, underscoring its impact on making air travel more accessible to a broader segment of the population. The Prime Minister’s inauguration of these new airports marks another step towards achieving greater connectivity and economic growth in the country.