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Modified UDAN Scheme Approved for 10 Years to Boost Regional Air Connectivity

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The Government of India has approved a Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for a decade-long period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with an outlay of Rs. 28,840 crore. This initiative aims to enhance regional air connectivity by developing 100 existing airstrips into UDAN airports, constructing 200 modern helipads in remote and difficult terrains, and providing extended viability gap funding to airlines. The scheme supports indigenous aircraft such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Additionally, a new terminal at Jodhpur Airport was inaugurated with a capacity to handle 20 lakh passengers annually.

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Key Facts

  • Scheme Duration: 10 years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36
  • Total Financial Outlay: Rs. 28,840 crore
  • Development of 100 existing airstrips into UDAN airports with an allocation of over Rs. 12,000 crore
  • Construction of 200 modern helipads in remote and difficult terrain with Rs. 3,661 crore budget over 8 years
  • Provision of operations and maintenance support of Rs. 2,500 crore for regional airports in initial years
  • Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support for airlines totaling more than Rs. 10,000 crore, with subsidy window extended from 3 years to 5 years
  • Inclusion of indigenous aircraft and helicopters like HAL Dhruv and Dornier under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework
  • New terminal inaugurated at Jodhpur Airport costing Rs. 480 crore with a handling capacity of up to 20 lakh passengers annually

Background & Context

The UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was launched by the Government of India to boost affordable regional air connectivity, especially targeting underserved airports across the country. The Modified UDAN scheme extends this effort over the next decade with an increased financial allocation and focuses on infrastructure development including airstrip upgrades and helipads to improve connectivity in difficult geographies. The scheme aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative promoting indigenous development of aviation capabilities, integrating Indian-produced aircraft and helicopters into its operations.

Why This Matters for Exams

The Modified UDAN scheme is a significant government program within India's civil aviation sector frequently covered in competitive exams. Important aspects include its financial outlay, extended duration, infrastructure initiatives like airstrip and helipad development, extension of VGF subsidies, and support to indigenous aircraft like HAL Dhruv and Dornier. Understanding the scheme's connection with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat is crucial for comprehensive knowledge.

Points to Remember

  • UDAN stands for 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik'—a scheme to enhance regional air connectivity.
  • The Modified UDAN scheme has a 10-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with a total budget of Rs. 28,840 crore.
  • It targets development of 100 existing airstrips into operational UDAN airports with over Rs. 12,000 crore allocated.
  • Includes construction of 200 modern helipads for remote and difficult terrains, budgeted at Rs. 3,661 crore over eight years.
  • Operations and maintenance support worth Rs. 2,500 crore is provided for regional airports initially.
  • Viability Gap Funding to airlines exceeds Rs. 10,000 crore, with subsidy duration extended from three to five years.
  • The scheme incorporates indigenous aircraft platforms such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • A new terminal at Jodhpur Airport costing Rs. 480 crore was inaugurated, capable of handling 20 lakh passengers annually.
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