Approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 March 2026, the scheme aims to accelerate aviation-led development and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Modified UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme
- Duration: 10 years (FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36)
- Outlay: ₹28,840 crore
- Key Components:
- Development of Aerodromes (CAPEX): Develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips.
- Operation & Maintenance (O&M) support: For 3 years for ~441 RCS-only aerodromes.
- Development of 200 Modern Helipads: In hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions to improve last-mile connectivity and emergency response.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): ₹10,043 crore support over 10 years for airline operators to sustain regional routes.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Aviation: Promote indigenous aircraft procurement (HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft) to strengthen aviation capacity in remote and difficult terrains.
About UDAN Scheme
- Launch: October 2016 (Conceptualised under National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016)
- Type: Central Sector Scheme.
- Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Implementing Agency: The Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- Objective: Democratize aviation by making flying accessible and affordable and strengthening connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Achievements:
- 669 routes operationalised across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefitting over 1.66 crore passengers.
- ₹4,593.28 crore disbursed as Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
- Contributed to the expansion of India's airport network from 74 (2014) to 159 (2024).
