India launches ₹29,000 crore UDAN scheme to expand regional aviation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the next phase of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional air connectivity programme with a ten‑year outlay of about ₹29,000 crore. The revised plan allocates funds to develop 100 new aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, construct 200 modern helipads, and provide ₹10,043 crore in viability‑gap funding to support airlines on low‑traffic routes. An additional ₹2,577 crore will cover operations and maintenance for roughly 441 regional airports and heliports.

The scheme emphasizes the use of domestically‑produced aircraft, including HAL‑manufactured Dhruv helicopters and Dornier‑type planes, to boost India’s aerospace sector. At the launch event in Jodhpur, Modi also opened a new terminal at Jodhpur Airport capable of handling 20 lakh passengers per year, featuring six aerobridges and space for multiple aircraft. Officials said the programme aims to spur tourism, trade, and employment in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities while enhancing emergency‑response and healthcare access in remote areas.