The Central Government has approved the revised ‘UDAN’ Scheme 2026 to further strengthen regional air connectivity. Under this scheme, a budget provision of Rs 28,840 crore has been made. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav gave this information. The major objectives of the revised UDAN scheme are to connect remote and underserved areas of the country with air services, make air travel more accessible and affordable for common citizens, comprehensively improve regional air connectivity, connect small cities and towns with big metros, promote tourism and provide new impetus to the local economy.
New routes will be added
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that under the revised UDAN scheme, new routes will be included and special attention will also be given to the development of existing airports. This will strengthen balanced regional development across the country. The government believes that this scheme will increase air traffic in small and medium cities, thereby creating new opportunities for local business, tourism and employment. ‘Udaan’ scheme is an ambitious scheme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose aim is that “every Indian should get the opportunity to fly”. The revised version is considered a big step towards achieving this goal more quickly.
100 new airports will be developed
Under the scheme, 100 new airports will be developed across the country from existing but unserved airstrips. Rs 12,159 crore will be spent on the development of these airports in the next eight years. Additionally, a target has been set to develop 200 modern helipads under the scheme, which will require Rs 3,661 crore in the next eight years.
Airlines will also be given VGF of Rs 10,043 crore.
According to a government release, under this scheme, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of Rs 10,043 crore will also be given to airlines over 10 years, so that air services on regional routes can become economically viable. It is noteworthy that the ‘Udaan’ (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was launched in October 2016, the objective of which is to increase regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable and accessible for the common people.