New Delhi, Mar 25: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the modified Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN, aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable, for a 10-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with an outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
The scheme seeks to expand connectivity to underserved and unserved regions by developing 100 new airports and 200 helipads, while also supporting operations at regional aerodromes and providing viability gap funding to airlines.
According to the government, the initiative will boost tourism, trade and economic growth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, improve access to remote areas, and strengthen emergency and healthcare connectivity. It also includes plans to promote indigenous aviation manufacturing through procurement of locally built aircraft.
Since its launch in 2016, UDAN has operationalised over 660 routes across 95 airports and facilitated travel for more than 1.6 crore passengers, laying the foundation for expanded regional connectivity under the modified scheme.
