Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the next phase of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) and inaugurated the New Terminal Building (NTB) at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major push for India’s civil aviation sector and reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding regional air connectivity and building world-class aviation infrastructure.
The event brought together Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Governor of Rajasthan; Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism; Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation; and other dignitaries.
Since its launch in October 2016, the UDAN Scheme has reshaped regional connectivity, operationalising 669 routes and connecting 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, and benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers along the way. Building on that record, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026, with an outlay of roughly ₹29,000 crore over the next ten years to speed up aviation-led development and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
What the Modified Scheme Covers
The Modified UDAN Scheme centres on expanding regional aviation infrastructure, including developing 100 aerodromes out of currently unserved airstrips at a cost of ₹12,159 crore. It also sets aside ₹2,577 crore for Operations and Maintenance support at regional airports, ₹3,661 crore for building 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore in continued Viability Gap Funding to keep regional airline operations running. In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat push, the scheme also encourages the use of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, for flights into underserved and remote regions.
The Aviation Minister’s Take
Speaking at the event, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme with a historic outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s aviation journey.
Since 2016, UDAN has transformed the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Hawai Chappal se Hawai Jahaz’ into a national movement by making air travel affordable, accessible and aspirational for every Indian. Today, UDAN is a celebration of India’s aspirations, empowering farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses with new opportunities for growth. From Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the remotest regions, aviation has become a powerful engine of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the next phase of UDAN will further strengthen last-mile connectivity and ensure that the vision of ‘Sabki Udaan, Sabka Vikas’ becomes a reality across every corner of the country.”
A New Terminal for Jodhpur
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport on the same occasion, an infrastructure project built by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore. The new terminal is set to strengthen connectivity for Jodhpur, known as Rajasthan’s “Blue City” and the gateway to the Thar Desert, while supporting the region’s growing tourism, trade, and economic activity.
Spread over 23,342 square metres, the terminal is built to handle 1,500 passengers at peak hours and 20 lakh passengers a year. It comes with 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening, modern baggage handling, and six aerobridges, all aimed at a smoother passenger experience. The new apron can hold 11 A-321 aircraft plus one ATR-72, and the city-side area offers parking for around 320 cars.
A Terminal Rooted in Local Heritage
On the terminal’s inauguration, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “I congratulate the people of Jodhpur and the entire western Rajasthan region on this magnificent new terminal, which beautifully reflects the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Marwar. From its royal Rajasthani facade to interiors inspired by the region’s vibrant traditions, the terminal will offer every passenger, especially visitors from across the world, their very first experience of Rajasthan’s warmth and the spirit of ‘Padharo Mhare Desh.’
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we are building airports that seamlessly combine world-class infrastructure with India’s cultural identity. Every such new terminal, every new route brings us one step closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Meeting Growing Demand
The old terminal, built to handle around 4 lakh passengers a year, had hit saturation point as traffic kept climbing. The new facility is designed with future demand in mind, and it incorporates sustainable features like energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and green building practices, all aimed at securing a 5-Star GRIHA rating. Architecturally, it draws on Rajasthan’s royal heritage, blending traditional elements like arches and jharokhas with a more contemporary design.
Reactions from State Leadership
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol added, “I congratulate the people of Rajasthan on the inauguration of the magnificent new terminal at Jodhpur Airport. The terminal beautifully showcases the rich cultural heritage of Marwar and will offer visitors a memorable first glimpse of Rajasthan’s heritage. Also, the landmark extension of UDAN for another decade by the PM also took place from Jodhpur. The Modified UDAN scheme will further democratize aviation in the country by integrating every region into India’s growth story.”
What It All Adds Up To
Together, the launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and the inauguration of the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport mark another notable step in India’s aviation journey. Both initiatives support the government’s broader push toward an aviation ecosystem that’s integrated, accessible, and future-ready, one that strengthens regional connectivity and airport infrastructure, supports tourism and trade, and drives inclusive economic and social development across the country.
Key Takeaway: The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and inauguration of the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport underscore India’s continued focus on expanding regional air connectivity and modern aviation infrastructure under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) initiative. With a ₹29,000 crore outlay over the next decade, the scheme aims to develop 100 new aerodromes, 200 helipads, and strengthen regional operations while promoting indigenous aircraft under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. These developments are important for understanding India’s transport infrastructure, regional connectivity, civil aviation policy, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
M.C.Q.
Question 1: The primary objective of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme is to:
- A. Promote international aviation hubs
- B. Privatise airport operations
- C. Enhance regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable
- D. Develop cargo-only airports
Question 2: Under the Modified UDAN Scheme approved in 2026, how many new aerodromes are proposed to be developed from currently unserved airstrips?
- A. 50
- B. 75
- C. 100
- D. 150
