India's regional aviation network is set for a major expansion, with the Centre planning an investment of around ₹28,840 crore over the next decade under the Modified UDAN scheme.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government is taking the flagship regional connectivity programme to its next level after significant progress during its first phase. The Modified UDAN scheme is designed to strengthen air connectivity beyond India's major metropolitan centres and connect smaller cities, remote areas and underserved regions.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Centre plans around ₹28,840 crore investment over 10 years.
Modified UDAN runs from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. 100 airports are planned to be developed from existing unserved airstrips.
200 modern helipads are proposed. Scheme aims to improve regional connectivity.
Financial support will help airlines operate routes in underserved markets.
Earlier UDAN has already connected 679 routes across 95 aviation facilities.
The government approved the scheme for a 10-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore through budgetary support.
A key objective of the next phase is to make regional air connectivity more accessible while supporting the development and sustainability of airports and airline operations in smaller markets.
The scheme also includes plans to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips and establish 200 modern helipads, particularly supporting connectivity to hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions.The government has also proposed financial support for airline operators through viability gap funding, helping make routes commercially viable where passenger demand alone may not be sufficient.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
For India, the expansion of regional aviation is about more than simply adding flights. Better air connectivity can bring smaller cities closer to major economic centres, improve tourism opportunities and make access to healthcare and emergency services easier in remote areas. The programme could also create new opportunities for airports, airlines, tourism businesses and local economies in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the earlier UDAN programme had already operationalised 679 routes across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, with more than 3.58 lakh flights carrying over 1.68 crore passengers.
The next phase is therefore aimed at building on the network created during the first decade and extending air connectivity to more parts of the country.
