The Government of India has announced a major financial push of Rs. 28,840 crore to strengthen regional air connectivity under the revamped UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable while boosting economic development in underserved and remote regions.
The modified UDAN scheme will focus on expanding connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, improving aviation infrastructure, and incentivising airlines to operate on less profitable routes. The government also plans to upgrade regional airports, helipads, and water aerodromes to support increased traffic. This move is expected to significantly enhance last-mile connectivity, especially in hilly, tribal, and northeastern regions.
Officials highlight that the scheme has already transformed India’s aviation landscape since its launch in 2016, with hundreds of routes operationalised. The new funding aims to accelerate this progress and ensure wider coverage. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities and promote tourism and trade in smaller cities.
By strengthening regional connectivity, the government seeks to create a more inclusive aviation ecosystem and contribute to India’s broader economic growth trajectory.
