Modified UDAN Scheme Gets ₹28,840 Crore Outlay

Why Is It in News?

The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026, with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme on 4 July 2026 from Jodhpur Airport.

About

UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik. The original regional connectivity scheme was launched in October 2016 to make air travel more affordable and improve connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.

The Modified UDAN Scheme builds on this objective and seeks to strengthen regional aviation infrastructure over a ten-year period.

Key components include:

1. Development of 100 airports: Existing unserved airstrips will be developed to improve regional connectivity.
2. Development of 200 modern helipads: Planned for hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions.
3. Aerodrome operations and maintenance: Approximately 441 aerodromes are expected to receive operational and maintenance support.
4. Viability Gap Funding (VGF): ₹10,043 crore is proposed to support airline operators and encourage continued regional services.
5. Indigenous aviation capacity: Support for the procurement of HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft.
6. Long-term implementation: The scheme covers FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.

The scheme aims to improve access to healthcare, tourism, trade and emergency services in areas where conventional transport infrastructure may be limited.

The total outlay is ₹28,840 crore, while the airport, helipad and airline-support components have their own allocations and implementation timelines. <Cite refs={["turn306334search4","turn306334search5","turn306334search8"]}/>

Key Points

1. Full name: Regional Connectivity Scheme — Modified UDAN.
2. UDAN full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
3. Cabinet approval: 25 March 2026.
4. Launch date: 4 July 2026.
5. Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
6. Launch venue: Jodhpur Airport, Rajasthan.
7. Total outlay: ₹28,840 crore.
8. Implementation period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
9. Airports to be developed: 100.
10. Modern helipads proposed: 200.
11. Aerodromes expected to receive O&M support: Approximately 441.
12. Proposed VGF allocation: ₹10,043 crore.
13. Main objective: Affordable regional air travel and improved connectivity to underserved regions.
14. Important distinction: The 100-airport target relates to developing existing unserved airstrips; the scheme also provides separate support for aerodrome operations and maintenance.