Modified UDAN: Strengthening India’s Regional Aviation Network

The Modified UDAN scheme, launched on 4 July 2026, will be implemented over ten years (FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36) with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore. It aims to develop 100 new airports (₹12,159 crore) and 200 modern helipads (₹3,661 crore), provide operation and maintenance support for about 441 aerodromes (₹2,577 crore), and extend viability gap funding of ₹10,043 crore to airlines for up to five years. Under the original UDAN, 679 routes now connect 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, with more than 3.58 lakh flights serving 1.68 crore passengers as of 15 July 2026. The scheme also proposes indigenous aircraft (HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft) to bolster domestic manufacturing.