New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, giving a major push to regional air connectivity and aviation infrastructure.
The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other dignitaries.
Approved by the Union Cabinet on March 25, 2026, the modified UDAN scheme has an outlay of nearly Rs 29,000 crore over the next 10 years. The scheme aims to expand regional aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country, according to an official statement.
Under the scheme, 100 aerodromes will be developed from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of Rs 12,159 crore. It also provides Rs 2,577 crore for the operation and maintenance of regional airports, Rs 3,661 crore for the development of 200 modern helipads, and Rs 10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding to support regional airline operations.
The scheme also promotes the use of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, to improve connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
Since its launch in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes and connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers.
Addressing the event, Naidu Kinjarapu said the launch of the modified UDAN scheme with an outlay of nearly Rs 29,000 crore marked a new chapter in India’s aviation journey. He said the scheme had transformed the PM’s vision of making air travel affordable and accessible into a nationwide movement.
The minister further said UDAN had evolved beyond a connectivity scheme and was creating new opportunities for farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses. He added that aviation had become a key driver of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3 and remote regions.
PM Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of Rs 480 crore.
Spread across 23,342 square metres, the terminal can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and up to 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, advanced security screening systems, and modern baggage handling facilities.
The newly developed apron can accommodate 11 A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft. The city-side infrastructure also provides parking space for around 320 cars.
