Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur airport, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s regional aviation network and airport infrastructure.
Modified UDAN scheme gets ₹29,000-crore push
The modified UDAN scheme, approved by the Union government on March 25, 2026, comes with an outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next 10 years to accelerate aviation-led development across the country.
The scheme aims to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore. It also earmarks ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support to regional airports, ₹3,661 crore for developing 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding to sustain regional airline operations.
The initiative also seeks to promote indigenous aviation platforms such as HAL Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft for operations in underserved and remote regions, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
UDAN connects 95 airports
Launched in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes, connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes across India. More than 1.66 crore passengers have benefited from the regional connectivity programme so far.
Minister highlights economic impact
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said aviation has emerged as a key driver of economic development beyond metropolitan cities.
“From Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the remotest regions, aviation has become a powerful engine of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the next phase of UDAN will further strengthen last-mile connectivity and ensure that the vision of ‘Sabki Udaan, Sabka Vikas’ becomes a reality across every corner of the country,” he said.
New Jodhpur terminal inaugurated
Alongside the UDAN launch, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore.
The new terminal is expected to boost connectivity for Jodhpur, a major tourism destination and gateway to the Thar Desert, while supporting the region’s expanding trade and economic activities.
Designed for future growth
Spread across 23,342 sq. metres, the terminal is designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and up to 20 lakh passengers annually.
The facility features 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening systems, modern baggage handling facilities and six aerobridges. The newly developed apron can accommodate 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft, while the city-side infrastructure includes parking for around 320 cars.
The existing terminal, with an annual handling capacity of around four lakh passengers, had reached saturation due to sustained traffic growth.
The new terminal also incorporates sustainable features, including energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices aimed at securing a 5-Star GRIHA rating. Its architecture draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal heritage, blending traditional arches and jharokhas with contemporary design.