Revised UDAN Scheme Stakeholder Workshop Inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Civil Aviation Minister inaugurated a stakeholder workshop on the revised UDAN scheme, which was launched by PM Modi on July 4, 2026. This marks the next phase of regional connectivity, aiming to expand air travel to underserved areas and boost balanced regional development.
Background
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional connectivity scheme launched under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 to make air travel affordable and widespread. The revised version builds on its success, having added 90 airports in 12 years compared to only 9 in the previous 13 years.
Key facts
The revised UDAN scheme was launched by PM Modi on July 4, 2026, from Jodhpur Airport.
India had 65 airports in 2001, 74 by 2014 (9 added in 13 years), and now 90 more added in the last 12 years, totaling 164 operational airports.
India is now the third largest domestic civil aviation market globally.
In May 2026, India recorded its highest monthly domestic air traffic with over 1.5 crore passengers.
Daily domestic passenger traffic is approximately 5 lakh.
UDAN has transformed regional connectivity: e.g., Darbhanga's litchi now reaches Dubai; Kishangarh's marble industry revived; 2 crore pilgrims annually visit Pushkar and Ajmer via Kishangarh airport.
Airport UDAN Yatri Cafes offer affordable refreshments: tea at Rs 10, snacks at Rs 20.
The workshop included a digital exhibition and short film showcasing UDAN's achievements.
Prelims pointers
- UDAN: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik
- Revised UDAN launched: 4 July 2026
- National Civil Aviation Policy: 2016
- Ministry: Civil Aviation
- Minister: K. Ram Mohan Naidu
- Airports in India: 164 operational (as of 2026)
- India: 3rd largest domestic civil aviation market
- Airport UDAN Yatri Cafe: tea Rs 10, snacks Rs 20
Mains angles
- Discuss the impact of UDAN on regional connectivity and balanced regional development.
- Critically examine the role of the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 in transforming India's aviation sector.
- Evaluate the socio-economic benefits of improved air connectivity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.