Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates stakeholder workshop on Modified UDAN

The Ministry of Civil Aviation held a stakeholder workshop on the Modified UDAN scheme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 16 July 2026. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu presented the scheme’s new provisions, including removal of seat caps for larger aircraft, introduction of HAL Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft, a five‑year Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism with tapered support, and increased budgetary allocation of about INR 12,159 crore for developing 100 airports and 200 helipads over the next decade. The workshop also showcased a digital exhibition, a short film on UDAN’s achievements, and highlighted success stories such as Darbhanga, Kishangarh, and Pushkar‑Ajmer connectivity. The Minister emphasized the scheme’s role in expanding regional air connectivity, creating jobs, and boosting tourism and trade.