Modified UDAN Scheme Approved: 100 Airports, 200 Helipads to Boost Regional Connectivity
Modified UDAN Scheme Approved: 100 Airports, 200 Helipads to Boost Regional Connectivity
The government approves a ₹28,840 crore Modified UDAN plan to expand regional air links, building 100 airports and 200 helipads to connect tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the launch and implementation of the Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) Regional Connectivity Scheme for 10 years, with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore backed by government budgetary support. The scheme will be in place from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36 and aims to transform regional air travel by building 100 airports or airstrips across unserved routes. Under the Modified UDAN Scheme, it is proposed to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips to enhance regional connectivity, in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of infrastructure expansion and transforming India into a globally competitive aviation ecosystem, with a total outlay of ₹12,159 crore over the next eight years. It will be a boost to economic growth, trade and tourism in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, support affordable air travel for common citizens, improve emergency response and healthcare access in remote and hilly regions, greater viability and sustainability for regional aerodromes and airline operators, promotion of the indigenous aerospace sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat and progress towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.
