Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a revamped UDAN scheme aimed at connecting 120 new destinations over the next 10 years. The regional connectivity initiative, originally introduced in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to make air travel more affordable by linking unserved and underserved airports. 

For FY 2025-26, Rs 5.3 billion has been allocated to UDAN, compared to the revised estimate of Rs 8 billion in FY 2024-25. The modified version will also support helipads and small airports in hilly, aspirational, and north-eastern regions. Sitharaman highlighted that UDAN has already benefited 15 million middle-class travellers by enhancing accessibility. 

According to the Economic Survey, UDAN has operationalised 619 routes, connecting 88 airports, including two water aerodromes and 13 heliports. Additionally, airport operators, including the Airports Authority of India, have completed 91% of their Rs 910 billion capital expenditure plan for FY 2020-25 as of November 2024. 

The minister also announced plans for new greenfield airports in Bihar, alongside the expansion of Patna airport and the development of a brownfield airport at Bihta, further strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure. 

(Hindustan Times)