Jodhpur/New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Modified UDAN Scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity and expanding India's aviation infrastructure over the next decade. The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore, seeks to improve access to air travel in underserved and remote regions while supporting balanced economic development across the country.

The Prime Minister launched the revamped Regional Connectivity Scheme, popularly known as UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), during his visit to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. On the occasion, he also inaugurated the new state-of-the-art terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a significant milestone in the government's efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure.

Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, senior officials of the Airports Authority of India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other public representatives.

According to the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Modified UDAN Scheme will be implemented from the financial year 2026-27 to 2035-36. The programme allocates Rs 12,000 crore for developing 100 aerodromes by upgrading existing unserved and underutilised airstrips, Rs 10,000 crore for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support regional flight operations, and Rs 2,500 crore towards the operation and maintenance of regional airports during their initial years.

The scheme also envisages the construction of 200 modern helipads to improve connectivity in hilly, remote and inaccessible regions. It further promotes the deployment of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft, to strengthen last-mile air connectivity and enhance regional aviation services.

The new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport has been developed at a cost of around Rs 480 crore and spans more than 23,000 square metres. Designed to handle up to 20 lakh passengers annually, the terminal features modern passenger amenities, enhanced operational capacity and architecture inspired by Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, providing travellers with improved comfort and efficiency.

The original UDAN Scheme, launched in October 2016, transformed regional aviation by making air travel affordable and connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The government said the Modified UDAN Scheme represents the next phase of India's aviation growth strategy and is expected to generate employment, boost tourism, facilitate trade and improve connectivity in underserved regions, contributing to the vision of inclusive national development.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar