New Delhi, Sep 22: India’s regional aviation network is set for a fresh expansion, with 21 states and Union Territories joining the Modified UDAN scheme, aimed at bringing air connectivity closer to people in smaller cities, remote areas and underserved destinations.
The expanded programme builds on the original UDAN initiative launched in 2016 to make air travel more accessible and connect regional destinations with larger cities. Over the years, the scheme has helped bring more airports and regional routes into the country’s aviation network.
Under Modified UDAN, the government has planned a 10-year programme from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with an overall outlay of ₹28,840 crore. The initiative focuses on expanding regional connectivity while strengthening the infrastructure needed to support long-term aviation growth.
A major component of the programme is the development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips. The government has also proposed 200 modern helipads, particularly in remote, hilly, island and aspirational regions where conventional airport infrastructure may not always be practical.
Financial support will continue to play an important role in keeping regional routes operational. The government has proposed ₹10,043 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) over the 10-year period to support airlines operating routes where passenger demand is still developing.
The new phase also seeks to provide greater flexibility in regional air services and encourage the use of Indian-made aircraft and helicopters, supporting the broader development of the domestic aviation ecosystem.
The expansion of regional air connectivity could have benefits beyond passenger travel. Better links between smaller cities and major commercial centres can support tourism, hospitality, local businesses, trade and employment, while making it easier for people to travel for work, education and other needs.
With 21 states and Union Territories now part of the new framework, Modified UDAN is expected to give India’s regional aviation network a wider footprint and create new opportunities for destinations that have traditionally remained outside the country’s main air travel corridors.
As India’s aviation sector continues to expand, the new phase of UDAN aims to ensure that the benefits of better air connectivity reach beyond the country’s major metropolitan centres.
