PM launches “Viksit UDAN”, next phase of regional connectivity

The Modified UDAN Scheme: what happened?

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) began in October 2016 with one idea: a person in a small town should be able to fly. Ten years on, the Government has extended it for another decade with a bigger purse and a new focus: build the airstrips and helipads that small towns still lack.

• The PM launched the next phase of UDAN, called Viksit UDAN, from Jodhpur.
• He opened the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, built by the Airports Authority of India for ₹480 crore.
• The Modified UDAN Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 March 2026 with about ₹29,000 crore for ten years.
• It funds 100 aerodromes from unserved airstrips, 200 helipads, O&M support for regional airports and viability gap funding (VGF) for airlines.

What is the UDAN scheme?

• A regional connectivity scheme launched in October 2016 to make flying affordable from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and remote regions.
• The slogan used by the Ministry is “Hawai Chappal se Hawai Jahaz”.
• By July 2026 it had run 669 routes and connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, carrying over 1.66 crore passengers.
• VGF pays airlines part of the cost of flying routes that are not yet profitable.

What is new in the Modified UDAN Scheme?

• The money now goes mainly into infrastructure: new aerodromes and helipads, not only airline subsidy.
• It backs indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier, for underserved and remote regions.
• It runs for the next ten years, in line with Viksit Bharat 2047.

Which constitutional entry covers civil aviation?

• Union List (List I), Entry 29: “Airways; aircraft and air navigation; provision of aerodromes; regulation and organisation of air traffic and of aerodromes; provision for aeronautical education and training and regulation of such education and training provided by States and other agencies.”
• Aerodromes and air traffic are therefore Union subjects; UDAN is run by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Where does the ₹29,000 crore go?

The last row adds the four amounts given in the release.

What does the new Jodhpur terminal offer?

Why does the Modified UDAN Scheme matter?

What are the challenges in the Modified UDAN Scheme?

• VGF of ₹10,043 crore shows many regional routes still need support to survive.
• New aerodromes need airlines willing to fly; infrastructure alone does not create traffic.
• Jodhpur’s old terminal had saturated at about 4 lakh passengers; capacity planning must stay ahead of demand at other regional airports too.
• O&M money (₹2,577 crore) is small next to the build budget; upkeep of small airports is a long-term cost.

What should be done next on the Modified UDAN Scheme?

• Pick the 100 airstrips where demand and tourism potential are proven.
• Tie VGF to service reliability so routes are not abandoned.
• Use helipads for medical evacuation and disaster relief, not only tourism.

What can Prelims ask on the Modified UDAN Scheme?

• UDAN launched October 2016; 669 routes, 95 aerodromes, over 1.66 crore passengers.
• Modified UDAN approved by Cabinet on 25 March 2026: about ₹29,000 crore for ten years.
• Components: 100 aerodromes (₹12,159 crore), 200 helipads (₹3,661 crore), VGF ₹10,043 crore, O&M ₹2,577 crore.
• Indigenous platforms named: HAL Dhruv, Dornier.
• Civil aviation and aerodromes: Union List Entry 29.

How to write about the Modified UDAN Scheme in Mains

Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): Regional air connectivity has moved from route subsidies to building infrastructure. Discuss with reference to the Modified UDAN Scheme.

• Intro: UDAN since 2016; numbers achieved.
• Modified UDAN: ₹29,000 crore, aerodromes, helipads, VGF, O&M.
• Gains: tourism, trade, remote access, indigenous aircraft.
• Limits: traffic risk, upkeep cost.
• Conclusion: Viksit Bharat 2047 and last-mile flying.