517 routes commenced under Udan Scheme, connecting 76 airports, including 9 heliports & 2 water aerodrome

Based on five rounds of bidding under the UDAN scheme, 517 routes have so far commenced operations connecting 76 airports, including 9 Heliports and 2 Water Aerodrome.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) gave the information in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

More than 130 city pairs have been created due to the commencement of UDAN flights. 2.47 lakh flights have operated under the UDAN scheme so far, carrying more than 130 lakh passengers, according to his response to the query.

Under the scheme airport operators cannot levy Landing and Parking Charges on RCS Flights.

AAI cannot levy any Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on RCS Flights.

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

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

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

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

State governments can levy VAT at a reduced rate of 1% or less on ATF at RCS Airports located within the States for 10 years, the minister said in the response.

They are required to provide minimum land, if required, free of cost and free from encumbrances for the development of RCS Airports and provide multi-modal hinterland connectivity as required.

They are responsible for providing security and fire services free of cost as well as electricity, water, and other utility services at RCS Airports.

Under the UDAN scheme, more than 130 lakh passengers have so far benefited from the Scheme.