R ARIVANANTHAM
GANDHINAGAR, DEC 7
Under “Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik” (UDAN) scheme, Gujarat has performed excellently, successfully launching operations at 6 regional airports in the state over the past 8 years. These airports are Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Jamnagar Civil Enclave, Bhavnagar, and Mundra.
Notably, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, the brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was launched by the Government of India in 2016 to promote affordable air travel for common citizens and enhance seamless connectivity between cities. The Gujarat Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has given special attention to the scheme’s implementation, significantly improving accessibility while boosting tourism and trade in the state.
- Under RCS-UDAN, 6 regional airports – Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Jamnagar Civil Enclave, Bhavnagar, and Mundra – operational
- Gujarat Government spends approximately ₹184 crore on developing RCS airports in 8 years
- Work is on to resume air services at water aerodromes at Statue of Unity and Sabarmati Riverfront
- New routes under the State’s VGF schemes are in the pipeline to connect cities like Vadodara, Rajkot, Ambaji, and Palitana.
Air travel at Gujarat’s regional airports reaches over 7.93 lakh passengers
The RCS-UDAN initiative has significantly boosted air traffic in Gujarat. According to GUJSAIL statistics, over 7.93 lakh passengers have experienced air travel from regional airports since 2017, up to November 2024. Prominent routes include Mumbai-Kandla, Ahmedabad-Mundra, Ahmedabad-Diu, and Surat-Diu, etc. Recently, new routes such as Ahmedabad-Keshod, Ahmedabad-Jalgaon, and Ahmedabad-Nanded have also been added, further enhancing regional air connectivity in Gujarat.
Providing information on the implementation of the RCS-UDAN scheme in Gujarat, Dr. Dhaval Patel, IAS, Commissioner, Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat, said, “Under the guidance of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, the state government is working with full commitment to improve aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in Gujarat through the RCS-UDAN initiative. Under the leadership of Hon’ble CM Shri Bhupendra Patel, the state government is continuously working to meet the growing demands of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and flying training sectors, along with providing various facilities and incentives for regional airports.
Gujarat Govt spent ₹184 crore for VGF, Fire, and Security Services Under RCS-UDAN
The Gujarat Government has spent approximately ₹184 crore from 2017 to November 2024 on 20% Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and fire and security services for RCS airports established under RCS-UDAN. It is noteworthy that the infrastructural costs of regional airports are borne by the Central Government. Additionally, the VGF provided by the State Government, along with other attractive financial incentives, has significantly facilitated the operation of regional air travel in the state.
The state’s VGF initiative offers special financial concessions on regional air travel routes, encouraging smaller airlines to launch services on these routes. Currently, VGF support from the State Government is provided for flights on five routes, including Surat-Ahmedabad, Surat-Rajkot, and Surat-Amreli. Owing to VGF, more than 1.06 lakh passengers have availed of these services at affordable fares. This joint effort by the Central and State Governments has strengthened Gujarat’s position in implementing the scheme, resulting in remarkable progress in aviation infrastructure.
Work is onto resume air services at water aerodromes at Statue of Unity and Sabarmati Riverfront
Under the RCS-UDAN scheme, Gujarat is making all efforts to reinitiate air connectivity services on its ambitious water aerodrome projects at the Statue of Unity and Sabarmati Riverfront. Further, new routes under the State’s VGF schemes are in the pipeline to connect cities like Vadodara, Rajkot, Ambaji, and Palitana. These efforts will further strengthen Gujarat’s aviation ecosystem, establishing it as a hub for regional connectivity. The upcoming projects will not only enhance Gujarat’s regional air connectivity but will also significantly contribute to the state’s tourism and economic development.
