Modi government's ambitious scheme of UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik ) for improving regional air connectivity would smile soon for Assam as the Ministry of Civil Aviation is planning to connect six international connectivity from Guwahati under the scheme.
A draft civil aviation policy called the International Air Connectivity Scheme (IACS) or UDAN International unveiled on Wednesday, extends the subsidised air travel programme UDAN to international circuits, with state governments funding and identifying the routes for operation.
As per the scheme, Guwahati is likely to get directly connected to Dhaka, Kathmandu, Yangon, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
From Guwahati, the draft proposes a per seat subsidy of Rs 2,370 to Dhaka; Rs 2,710 to Kathmandu; Rs 4,400 to Bangkok; Rs 4,770 to Yangon; Rs 7,350 to Kuala Lumpur and Rs 7,880 to Singapore.
"The objective of the UDAN (International) scheme is to enhance international air connectivity between Indian states and select international destinations through the provision of financial support to airlines. It is the next step after the positive domestic impact of UDAN," aviation minister Suresh Prabhu wrote on Twitter.
"This will help improve overall connectivity and spur trade, tourism and economic growth in the country," Prabhu added. Under the scheme, the Assam government has committed to fund the subsidy amount of Rs 100 crore per annum for three years.
"The UDAN international scheme is to be made operational only for states, which demonstrate their commitment to implement and provide the requisite support for promoting operations under the scheme," the draft read.
