Modified UDAN Scheme – Features, Benefits & Aviation Growth in India
Modified UDAN Scheme has been approved by the Union Cabinet with a ₹28,840 crore outlay (2026–2036) to strengthen India’s aviation ecosystem and improve regional connectivity.
Modified UDAN Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN with a ₹28,840 crore outlay (2026–2036) to strengthen India’s aviation ecosystem.
What is UDAN?
- Launched in 2016 under NCAP to make air travel affordable & accessible
- Connects Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities → “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik”
Why Modified UDAN?
- Only 7–10% routes viable after subsidy period
- 327 routes discontinued & airports shut
- Need for long-term sustainability
Key Features of Modified UDAN
- Extended Subsidy (VGF)
- Increased from 3 → 5 years → better route stability
- Direct Govt Funding
- No extra levy on passengers → funded via exchequer
- O&M Support
- Govt to support operational costs of low-traffic airports
- Infrastructure Push
- 100 new airports + 200 helipads (hilly/island regions)
- Atmanirbhar Aviation
- Focus on indigenous aircraft (HAL Dhruv, Dornier)
Achievements So Far
- 663 routes operationalised
- 1.6 crore+ passengers flown
- Airports increased → 74 (2014) → 159 (2024)
Krishi UDAN Link
- Enables air transport of agri-produce → better farmer income
