Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a massive Rs 28,840 crore infusion to supercharge regional air travel under the enhanced UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. Announced on March 26, 2026, this five-year plan from FY26 to FY30 aims to connect over 120 new air routes, making air travel affordable for common citizens. UDAN, launched in 2017, has already revolutionized regional aviation. So far, it operationalized 517 routes, serving 79 airports—including 53 underserved ones. Over 2 crore passengers flew on these routes at capped fares of Rs 2,500-3,000 per hour. Now, the modified scheme introduces helicopters for hilly and remote areas, viability gap funding up to 60% (Rs 4,335 crore total), and green initiatives like sustainable aviation fuel.
Key highlights include Rs 24,505 crore for regional connectivity, boosting tourism, trade, and jobs. Expect 10,000 direct jobs and lakhs indirectly through new airports. Northeast states like Assam, Arunachal, and Manipur gain big—new routes to Guwahati and Itanagar will cut travel times dramatically, spurring economic growth.
This aligns with Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailed it as a “game-changer for Tier-2/3 cities.” Challenges like high costs and weather persist, but with private players like IndiGo and SpiceJet bidding actively, success looks promising.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is the UDAN scheme?
UDAN promotes affordable regional flights since 2017, capping fares at Rs 2,500/hour. It has connected 79 airports, carried 2 crore passengers, and now gets Rs 28,840 crore for 120 new routes till 2030.
2. How does the modified scheme help Northeast India?
It adds helicopter services for hills, new routes to Guwahati/Itanagar, and 60% funding support. This boosts tourism, jobs, and trade in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal—cutting travel time for remote areas.
3. What are the funding details?
Rs 28,840 crore total: Rs 24,505 crore for routes, Rs 4,335 crore viability gaps. Covers 100 RCS routes, 5 helicopters, 30 airport upgrades, creating 10,000 jobs over five years.
(*Image Source- Newage)