Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on March 25 approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Modified UDAN for a period of 10 years with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore, with the budgetary support of the Central Government. The Modified UDAN Scheme has been approved from the period of FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
This decision will result in enhanced regional air connectivity to underserved and unserved areas; boost economic growth, trade and tourism in tier 2 and 3 cities; support affordable air travel for common citizens; and improve emergency response and healthcare access in remote and hilly regions.
Also, the scheme will help greater viability and sustainability for regional aerodromes and airline operators; promote indigenous aerospace sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat and help achieve the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal.
Under the Modified UDAN Scheme, it is proposed to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips to enhance regional connectivity, in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of infrastructure expansion and transforming India into a globally competitive aviation ecosystem, with a total outlay of Rs 12,159 crore over the next eight years.
Given the high recurring operation and maintenance costs and limited revenue streams for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-only aerodromes, the Scheme proposes to provide O&M support for three years capped at Rs.3.06 crore per annum per airport and Rs. 0.90 crore per annum per heliport/water aerodrome, estimated at Rs. 2,577 crore for around 441 aerodromes.
