Key Points
- Modified UDAN scheme approved with ₹29,000 crore outlay over ten years
- 100 new aerodromes and 200 helipads planned under revised scheme
- Jodhpur Airport's new terminal can handle 20 lakh passengers annually
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the UDAN regional air connectivity scheme, backed by a ₹29,000 crore outlay over ten years to develop airports, helipads and airstrips across underserved regions. The announcement, made at an event in Jodhpur where Modi also inaugurated a new airport terminal, marks a significant expansion of the programme that has connected 95 airports and served over 1.66 crore passengers since 2016.
UDAN — Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, meaning ‘let the common citizen fly’ — is a government subsidy scheme that makes regional air routes commercially viable by providing financial support to airlines operating on routes that would otherwise be unprofitable. The modified version approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 March 2026 aims to accelerate aviation infrastructure development in smaller cities and remote areas.
The revised scheme allocates ₹12,159 crore for developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, ₹3,661 crore for 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore in viability gap funding — a form of government subsidy that bridges the gap between what passengers pay and what it costs airlines to operate a route. An additional ₹2,577 crore is earmarked for operations and maintenance support at regional airports.
Indigenous aircraft
The modified scheme promotes the use of domestically manufactured aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, for operations in underserved and remote regions. This aligns with the government’s broader push for self-reliance in defence and aerospace manufacturing.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union minister for Civil Aviation, said the scheme would strengthen last-mile connectivity. “Since 2016, UDAN has transformed the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Hawai Chappal se Hawai Jahaz’ into a national movement by making air travel affordable, accessible and aspirational for every Indian,” he said.
The phrase, which translates to ‘from slippers to aeroplanes’, refers to making flying affordable for ordinary citizens who previously could not afford air travel.
The minister added that aviation had become an engine of economic development for smaller cities. “From Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the remotest regions, aviation has become a powerful engine of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion,” he said.
Jodhpur – 20 lakh passengers yearly
At the same event, Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore. The facility replaces an existing terminal that had reached its capacity limit of approximately 4 lakh passengers annually.
The new terminal spans 23,342 square metres and is designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges — enclosed walkways connecting the terminal to aircraft — and an apron capable of accommodating 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft simultaneously.
By the numbers
- ₹29,000 crore
- UDAN scheme outlay over ten years
- 100
- New aerodromes planned from existing airstrips
- 20 lakh
- Annual passenger capacity of Jodhpur's new terminal
The terminal incorporates energy-efficient systems and water conservation measures, with the facility targeting a 5-Star GRIHA rating, an Indian green building certification. Its architecture draws on Rajasthan’s traditional design elements, including arches and jharokhas — overhanging enclosed balconies characteristic of Rajasthani architecture.
Murlidhar Mohol, Union minister of state for Civil Aviation, said the terminal would integrate Jodhpur, known as the Blue City and a gateway to the Thar Desert, more closely with the national aviation network. The original UDAN scheme, launched in October 2016, has operationalised 669 routes connecting airports, heliports and water aerodromes across the country.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the UDAN scheme?
UDAN — Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik — is a government subsidy programme that makes regional air routes commercially viable by providing financial support to airlines. Launched in 2016, it aims to make air travel affordable for ordinary citizens in underserved areas.
How much funding has been allocated to the modified UDAN scheme?
The Union Cabinet has approved approximately ₹29,000 crore over ten years. This includes ₹12,159 crore for 100 new aerodromes, ₹3,661 crore for 200 helipads, ₹10,043 crore in viability gap funding, and ₹2,577 crore for airport operations and maintenance.
What is the capacity of Jodhpur Airport's new terminal?
The new terminal can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, and apron space for 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft.
How many airports has UDAN connected since 2016?
Since its launch in October 2016, UDAN has operationalised 669 routes connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefitting over 1.66 crore passengers.
