Modified UDAN Scheme: Expanding Regional Aviation in India

#GS-2 #GS-3 #Governance & Social Justice #Economy #Infrastructure #Current Events #National #Government Policies

Why in News

The Central Government recently introduced the **Modified UDAN Scheme** to strengthen regional air connectivity across the country. This new phase builds directly upon the groundwork laid by the original **UDAN programme**.

First announced in the **Union Budget 2025-26**, the **Modified UDAN scheme** is an updated version of the **UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)** initiative. It focuses on affordable air travel, connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, and maintaining financial viability for airlines.
The revised program spans a **10-year period** from **FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36** with an allocated budget of **₹28,840 crore**.
The scheme prioritizes airport infrastructure development, operational funding support, and long-term commercial success for flight routes in smaller regions.
It provides targeted support for **helicopters**, **helipads**, and **specialized aircraft** to serve geographically challenging and remote regions.

The original UDAN scheme began in **October 2016** and opened **663 routes** for over **162.47 lakh passengers**, yet long-term route sustainability remained a core concern.
A study by the **Comptroller and Auditor General of India** revealed that only **7% to 10%** of operational routes stayed financially independent after their initial subsidy period ended.
The previous **three-year cap** on financial subsidies proved too short for airlines to build stable passenger bases in smaller regional markets.
Out of the **663 routes** launched since **2017**, around **327 routes** became inactive by **February 2026**.
Additionally, **15** of the **95 airports** reactivated under the early phase of the scheme eventually stopped operating flights.

The plan allocates **₹12,159 crore** over **eight years** to convert **100 unserved airstrips** into fully functional regional airports.
Airports working under the **Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)** with low revenue will receive Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funding for **three years**. This support is capped at **₹3.06 crore** per year for airports and **₹0.90 crore** per year for helipads or water aerodromes.
The total budget for Operation and Maintenance stands at **₹2,577 crore**, covering roughly **441 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes**.
To serve regions unsuitable for regular airports, the scheme commits **₹3,661 crore** over **eight years** to build **200 modern helipads**, costing **₹15 crore** per unit.
The government set aside **₹10,043 crore** over **ten years** for Viability Gap Funding (**VGF**) to compensate airlines flying low-demand regional routes.
To promote local manufacturing, the scheme deploys two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (**HAL**) **Dhruv helicopters** with Pawan Hans and two **HAL Dornier aircraft** with Alliance Air.

The government started the **Regional Connectivity Scheme - UDAN** in **October 2016** to offer affordable and accessible flight options to common citizens.
India expanded its operational airports from **74** in **2014** to **165** by **15th July 2026**, making the nation the **world's third-largest domestic aviation market**.
The scheme operationalized **679 routes** across **95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes**, managing over **3.58 lakh flights** and serving **1.68 crore passengers**.
Remote and island locations like **Tezpur**, **Pasighat**, **Diu**, **Pithoragarh**, and **Rourkela** received regular flight connections through this program.
The project shortened overall travel times, boosted local tourism, expanded business activities, and enabled fast transport during medical emergencies.
Passenger services expanded through added facilities such as **UDAN Yatri Cafés**, free reading materials via **Flybrary**, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

The Modified UDAN program represents a crucial advancement in India's regional flight connectivity by building infrastructure and encouraging indigenous manufacturing.
This strategic initiative will improve nationwide mobility, stimulate local economic activity, and bring air transport benefits to every corner of India.