Modified UDAN: Strengthening India’s Regional Aviation Network
Modified UDAN expands India’s regional aviation network with new airport, helipad, and viability-support targets for FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation says Modified UDAN will be implemented from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36 with a proposed outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
- UDAN has operationalised 679 routes across 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes as of 15 July 2026.
- UDAN has served more than 3.58 lakh flights and over 1.68 crore passengers since launch.
- The Modified UDAN scheme proposes 100 airports, 200 modern helipads, ₹12,159 crore for aerodromes, ₹2,577 crore for Operation and Maintenance support, ₹3,661 crore for helipads, and ₹10,043 crore for Viability Gap Funding.
Modified UDAN is the next phase of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme. The Ministry of Civil Aviation says the scheme is being implemented from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36 with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore. The policy goal is to deepen regional air connectivity, improve last-mile access, and make smaller aviation markets more viable.
The earlier UDAN scheme, launched in October 2016, was designed to make air travel affordable and accessible for underserved and unserved regions. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, UDAN has operationalised 679 routes across 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, with more than 3.58 lakh flights serving over 1.68 crore passengers as of 15 July 2026.
What changed in Modified UDAN
UPSC can frame Modified UDAN as a case study in regional connectivity, public support for commercially weak routes, and the trade-off between social access and financial viability. The scheme also links to Atmanirbhar Bharat through support for indigenous aircraft and helicopters.
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