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• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Modified UDAN Scheme with an outlay of nearly INR 29,000 crore to strengthen regional air connectivity and aviation infrastructure over the next 10 years.
• The scheme aims to develop 100 aerodromes, 200 helipads and provide continued support for regional airport operations and airline connectivity across underserved areas.
• The Prime Minister also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed at a cost of INR 480 crore to cater to growing passenger demand.
• The initiatives are expected to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism and trade, and support inclusive economic development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a significant step towards expanding India's regional aviation network and strengthening airport infrastructure.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026, the Modified UDAN Scheme has been allocated an outlay of approximately INR 29,000 crore for the next decade. The programme seeks to accelerate aviation-led development by improving connectivity to underserved and unserved regions while supporting the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The revamped scheme includes the development of 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of INR 12,159 crore. It also provides INR 2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support to regional airports, INR 3,661 crore for the construction of 200 modern helipads and INR 10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding to sustain regional airline operations. In addition, the scheme encourages the deployment of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, to improve connectivity in remote areas.
Since its launch in 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes, connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes while benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers. The next phase aims to build on these achievements by further improving last-mile air connectivity and expanding access to affordable air travel.
Alongside the scheme launch, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of INR 480 crore. Spread across 23,342 sq m, the terminal has been designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and an annual capacity of 20 lakh passengers.
The new facility is equipped with 20 check-in counters, advanced baggage handling systems, modern security infrastructure and six aerobridges. The expanded apron can accommodate 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft, while the city-side infrastructure includes parking for around 320 cars.
Designed to reflect Rajasthan's architectural heritage through traditional elements such as arches and jharokhas, the terminal also incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices targeted at achieving a 5-Star GRIHA rating.
The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and the commissioning of the new Jodhpur terminal are expected to improve regional connectivity, strengthen tourism and trade, generate economic opportunities and create a more accessible, sustainable and future-ready aviation ecosystem across the country.
Source: PIB
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