UDAN 5.1 launched by MoCA

June 2023

UdeDeshkaAamNagrik (UDAN) 5.1 was launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on May 24, 2023. The aim of this launch is to improve the connectivity to remote areas of India and also achieve the last-mile connectivity through helicopters. This version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN is specifically designed for helicopter rou­tes. The airfare caps have also been reduced in the new scheme by ar­ound 25 per cent so that helicopter rides can become more affordable for passengers. Moreover, the viability gap funding caps have been substantially increased by the ministry for both single- and twin-engine helicopters, which will lead to much better financial viability for operating the awarded routes.