First direct flight between Kalaburagi to Tirupati flagged off under UDAN

First direct flight between Kalaburagi to Tirupati flagged off under UDAN

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions & GS-III – Infrastructure

In news 

• Star Air has commenced the direct daily flight operations from Kalaburagi, Karnataka to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh under the RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).

Important value additions 

Tirupati city

• It is also called as the ‘Spiritual Capital of Andra Pradesh’.
• It is home to the most famous Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple popularly called ‘Tirupati Balaji Temple’ which has its name in the most-visited shrine across the globe. 
• Apart from the Tirupati Balaji temple, the place is also famous for other historical temples, Sri Venkateshwara National Park, Deer Park, Tirupati, & Talakona Waterfalls. 
• The Tirumala Hills in Tirupati is the second oldest rock mountain hills in the world.
• Tirupati Laddu received Geographical indication tag which entitles that only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams can make and sell it.

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) 

• It is a regional airport development and “Regional Connectivity Scheme” (RCS) of Government of India
• Objective: Letting the common citizen of the country fly
• Aim: (1) Making air travel affordable and widespread; (2) To boost inclusive national economic development, job growth and air transport infrastructure development of all regions and states of India.
• Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation 

Do you know?

• Inaugurated under the UDAN scheme, Kalaburagi airport recently completed a successful 1 year of service. 
• The airport has become the fastest growing airport in the country.