Prime Minister launches the Next Phase of UDAN – Viksit UDAN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme ‘Viksit UDAN’ and inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport on 4 July 2026.

• The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme was launched in October 2016 to improve regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and connecting underserved and unserved regions.
• Since its launch, the scheme has:
  • Operationalised 669 regional routes.
  • Connected 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.
  • Benefited over 1.66 crore passengers.

Modified UDAN Scheme (2026)

• The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026 with an outlay of approximately ₹29,000 crore for the next 10 years.
• The scheme aims to accelerate aviation-led regional development and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Major Components

• Development of 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore.
• Provision of ₹2,577 crore for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support to regional airports.
• Development of 200 modern helipads with an investment of ₹3,661 crore.
• Continued Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹10,043 crore to support regional airline operations and ensure affordable connectivity.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Focus

• The scheme promotes the deployment of indigenously manufactured aircraft and helicopters in regional aviation.
• It encourages the use of platforms such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier Do 228.
• These aircraft will improve connectivity to remote, hilly, tribal, and underserved regions.

Source: PIB

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