RCS-UDAN marks 6 years of success

28 Oct 2023 CW Team

The government-backed initiative, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), which aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in India, particularly in remote and underserved areas, has completed six years. This scheme is an integral part of India's National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, initiated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on October 21, 2016, with a vision spanning over a decade.

Prime Minister inaugurated the first RCS-UDAN flight on April 27, 2017, linking Shimla to Delhi. The focus of this initiative is to enhance air routes in regions lacking services, thereby fulfilling the common citizens' aspirations.

RCS-UDAN has successfully facilitated travel for over 130 lakh passengers, proving its effectiveness in improving air travel accessibility.

Over the six-year period, several versions of the UDAN Scheme were launched:

UDAN 1.0: 5 airline companies were granted 128 flight routes to 70 airports, including 36 newly operational airports.

UDAN 2.0: 73 underserved and unserved airports were announced, and helipads were connected for the first time.

UDAN 3.0: Tourism Routes were introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. Seaplanes for Water Aerodromes and numerous routes in the North-East Region were included.

UDAN 4.0: Special focus was given to North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands. Operations of helicopters and seaplanes were incorporated.

UDAN Version 5 ? 5.0, 5.1, and 5.2:

Following the success of four bidding rounds, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the 5th version of RCS-UDAN, incorporating several improvements based on feedback from stakeholders.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..