Civil Aviation Ministry today launched the second round of bidding for its Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN. The scheme aims at providing connectivity to special priority areas which include Jammu and Kashmir, North East, Lakshwadeep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. <br/><br/>Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathy Raju said huge impetus is being given to these priority areas by allowing less than nine seat flights and helicopters. <br/><br/>He said the lower distance limit of 150 kilometres between airports for eligibility has been removed in the second round. He said the viability gap funding for helicopter operations in priority areas has been substantially enhanced. <br/><br/>The Minister also said flexibility has been introduced in 'exclusivity' by allowing existing airline operator to issue NOC to any other airline to operate the route.