The Prime Minister launched Viksit UDAN, the next phase of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, in Rajasthan. The phase aims to expand regional air connectivity and aviation infrastructure in line with Viksit Bharat 2047. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme in March 2026 as its framework.
The scheme runs for ten years, from 2026-27 to 2035-36, with total budgetary support of ₹28,840 crore. Its motto is "Sabki Udaan, Sabka Vikas."
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched UDAN in October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as the nodal implementing agency. It was meant to make air travel affordable and accessible, especially in remote areas, by connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through a market-driven but financially supported model.
The original design capped airfares and backed the cap with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Centre. Landing charges were waived, and states committed to reduce VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel to 1% or less.
The scheme widened over its versions. UDAN 2.0 added helipads, UDAN 3.0 introduced tourism routes, and UDAN 4.0 focused on hilly regions, the North-East and island territories. Seaplane operations were promoted under the UDAN 5.0 series. India's airport network grew from 74 airports in 2014 to 159 in 2024.
Earlier versions centred on supporting routes through an airfare cap and subsidy. The modified scheme also pays for building aviation infrastructure. The ₹28,840 crore is split across several heads:
The maintenance support runs for three years, capped at ₹3.06 crore a year per airport and ₹0.90 crore a year per heliport or water aerodrome.
Airlines will receive VGF for five years, with funding tapering from the third year onward. Route exclusivity will be limited to three years.
UDAN airports will be developed under Challenge Mode, which the scheme says is meant to ensure timely completion, quality, innovation and sustainability. The scheme also proposes procuring Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Dhruv helicopters and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Dornier aircraft for regional operations, to promote indigenous aviation capacity.
The scheme targets last-mile connectivity in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, remote regions, hilly areas, islands and aspirational districts, so that aviation benefits reach beyond major metropolitan centres. It is expected to boost affordable air travel, tourism, trade, investment, emergency services, healthcare access, employment and regional economic growth.
With reference to the Modified UDAN Scheme (Viksit UDAN), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Consider the following information about the components of the Modified UDAN Scheme:
| Component | Feature | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Airports from unserved airstrips | 100 airports at ₹12,159 crore over eight years |
| 2. | Helipads | 200 helipads with an estimated outlay of ₹3,661 crore |
| 3. | Operation and Maintenance support | ₹2,577 crore for around 441 aerodromes, for five years |
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Modified UDAN Scheme differs from earlier UDAN versions because it also funds the building of aviation infrastructure.
Statement-II: Earlier versions of UDAN centred on supporting routes through an airfare cap and subsidy.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
