Modi launches ₹29,000-crore modified UDAN scheme, inaugurates new Jodhpur Airport terminal

New Delhi/Jodhpur, July 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 4 unveiled the next phase of the Centre’s flagship regional air connectivity programme, the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, with an outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next decade, while also inaugurating a new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport to strengthen aviation infrastructure in western Rajasthan.

The twin initiatives are aimed at expanding regional air connectivity, modernising airport infrastructure and accelerating aviation-led economic growth as part of the government’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047).

The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other dignitaries.

Next phase of UDAN

Originally launched in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has significantly expanded regional air connectivity across India by making air travel more affordable. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the programme has operationalised 669 routes, connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, and enabled more than 1.66 crore passengers to travel by air.

Building on that success, the Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on March 25 this year with an allocation of around ₹29,000 crore to be spent over the next 10 years.

The revamped scheme envisages the development of 100 aerodromes by upgrading existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore. It also earmarks ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support to regional airports, ₹3,661 crore for constructing 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore towards Viability Gap Funding to sustain regional airline services.

A key feature of the new phase is its emphasis on promoting indigenous aviation platforms under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The scheme encourages the deployment of Indian-built aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier aircraft, to improve connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

Speaking at the launch, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu described the expanded programme as the beginning of a new phase in India’s aviation growth story.

He said that since its launch in 2016, UDAN had translated Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making air travel affordable for ordinary citizens into reality by connecting smaller cities and remote regions. According to the minister, the scheme has evolved beyond a connectivity programme into a catalyst for economic development, tourism, employment, entrepreneurship and social inclusion, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

He said the next phase of UDAN would further strengthen last-mile air connectivity and support the government’s objective of ensuring balanced regional development.

New terminal at Jodhpur Airport

Alongside the launch of the modified scheme, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore.

The facility is expected to significantly enhance passenger handling capacity at the airport, which serves Rajasthan’s historic ‘Blue City’ and a major gateway to the Thar Desert.

Spread across 23,342 square metres, the new terminal is designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and has an annual capacity of 20 lakh passengers, a fivefold increase over the existing terminal’s capacity of approximately four lakh passengers per year.

The modern facility features 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening systems, upgraded baggage handling infrastructure, and six aerobridges to improve passenger convenience.

The expanded apron can accommodate 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft, while the landside infrastructure includes parking space for around 320 cars.

The existing terminal had reached saturation because of sustained growth in passenger traffic, making expansion necessary to meet future demand.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the new terminal incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and environmentally friendly construction practices aimed at securing a 5-Star GRIHA green building rating.

Architecturally, the building reflects Rajasthan’s royal heritage, incorporating traditional design elements such as arches and jharokhas while blending them with contemporary airport infrastructure.

Ram Mohan Naidu said the terminal reflects both world-class infrastructure and India’s cultural identity. He noted that the design draws inspiration from the architectural heritage of Marwar, offering visitors their first glimpse of Rajasthan’s traditional hospitality and cultural richness.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the new terminal would not only improve passenger experience but also showcase Rajasthan’s rich heritage to domestic and international travellers. He added that the extension of the UDAN scheme for another decade would further democratise air travel by integrating more regions into India’s growth trajectory.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and the commissioning of the new Jodhpur Airport terminal together represent another milestone in India’s aviation sector, reinforcing the government’s focus on expanding regional connectivity, strengthening airport infrastructure, boosting tourism and trade, and promoting inclusive economic development across the country.