Revised UDAN Scheme: Empowering India's Regional Aviation Network
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The revised UDAN scheme was launched on 4 July 2026 with a budget of ₹28,840 crore for FY 2026-27 to 2035-36. It aims to develop 100 new airports and 200 modern helipads to strengthen last-mile air connectivity. This marks a new phase in India's civil aviation sector, building on the success of the original UDAN scheme.
Background
The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was launched in October 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible, especially in underserved regions. Over nine years, it has operationalized 679 regional routes connecting 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, with over 3.58 lakh flights and 1.68 crore passengers. India has grown from 74 operational airports in 2014 to 165 by July 2026, becoming the world's third-largest domestic civil aviation market.
Key facts
Revised UDAN scheme launched on 4 July 2026 with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore for FY 2026-27 to 2035-36.
Aims to develop 100 new airports and 200 modern helipads to enhance last-mile connectivity.
Original UDAN scheme (2016) operationalized 679 regional routes connecting 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.
Over 3.58 lakh flights and 1.68 crore passengers served under the original scheme.
India's operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 165 by 15 July 2026.
New terminal at Jodhpur airport spans 23,342 sq m, handles 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh annually, with 20 check-in counters, advanced security, and six aerobridges.
Revised scheme focuses on expanding airport infrastructure, strengthening operational support, and creating a favorable ecosystem for operators in smaller markets.
India is now the third-largest domestic civil aviation market globally.
Prelims pointers
- Scheme: UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) - Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)
- Launch year: October 2016
- Revised scheme launch date: 4 July 2026
- Revised scheme duration: FY 2026-27 to 2035-36
- Revised scheme budget: ₹28,840 crore
- Target: 100 new airports, 200 modern helipads
- Current operational airports (as of 15 July 2026): 165
- Jodhpur airport new terminal: 23,342 sq m, capacity 20 lakh passengers/year
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of regional connectivity schemes like UDAN in promoting inclusive economic growth and reducing regional disparities.
- Critically examine the challenges in implementing the revised UDAN scheme, including viability gap funding, operator sustainability, and infrastructure development in remote areas.
- Analyze the impact of UDAN on India's civil aviation sector and its contribution to making India the third-largest domestic aviation market.