On Wednesday, March, 25 2026, the Union cabinet headed by the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the launch of Regional Connectivity Scheme- Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) with a total outlay of Rs. 28,840 crore for a period of ten years from FY 2026-27 to FY 35-36.
- UDAN Scheme: Overview and Financial Outlay
- Key Components of UDAN 2026
- Development of Aerodromes (CAPEX)
- Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Aerodromes
- Development of Helipads and Infrastructure
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Aircraft Acquisition
- Economic and Social Impact
- The Ultimate Flight to Our Eternal Home
The objective of the initiative is to expand connectivity to underserved regions by developing 100 airports with the budgetary support of the Government of India. The modified scheme aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the citizens while strengthening economic development in small towns and remote areas across the nation. It has been a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation since its launch in 2016.
UDAN Scheme: Overview and Financial Outlay
The UDAN scheme launched in October 2016 with the purpose of making air travel affordable and strengthening connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Over the span of nine years of the scheme,
- 663 routes operationalised across 95 airports, helicopters and water aerodromes (till 28 February 2026)
- Operated more than 3.41 lakh flights carrying 162.47 lakh passengers.
- Established the connectivity in remote, hilly and island regions,facilitating tourism, healthcare, and emergency services.
The Modified version of UDAN approved in 2026 will run for a period of 10 years, beginning from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with a total budget of Rs. 28,840 crore. The project aims to strengthen regional connectivity through infrastructure development, and expansion of aviation services in remote areas of the country.
Key Components of UDAN 2026
The key components of modified version of UDAN scheme are as under:
Development of Aerodromes (CAPEX)
The Modified UDAN scheme proposed to develop 100 airports from existing but unused or underutilized airstrips, in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of transforming India into a globally competitive aviation ecosystem with the budget allocation of Rs, 12,159 crore over the next eight years.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Aerodromes
The scheme proposed to provide O&M support for three years with a capital outlay of Rs. 3.06 crore PA per airport and Rs. 0.90 crore PA per heliport/ water aerodrome, total estimation of Rs. 2,577 crore for 441 aerodromes.
Development of Helipads and Infrastructure
Along with the airport development, the scheme includes a proposal to develop 200 modern helipads in hilly, remote, island, and aspirational regions, costing Rs. 15 crore each, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs. 3,661 crore. The initiative is expected to facilitate faster emergency services and improve last mile connectivity and emergency response.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also announced the support in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of Rs. 10,043 crore over 10 years to the airline operators.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Aircraft Acquisition
To facilitate the shortage of small fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, the UDAN scheme also planned to procure two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.
Economic and Social Impact
The modified UDAN scheme is expected to provide number of economic and social benefits as listed below:
- Faster movement of people, goods, and services
- Improve emergency response system
- Boos to economic growth, trade and tourism in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
- Accessible and affordable air travel
- Promotion of Indigenous aerospace sector under Armanirbhar Bharat
- Achievement of Viksit Bharat 2047 goal
The implementation of the modified UDAN scheme is a major milestone for the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The scheme will enhance connectivity to underserved regions, boost economic growth, make air travel more affordable, with an investment outlay of approximately Rs. 28.840 crore.
The Ultimate Flight to Our Eternal Home
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that while science helps the body travel, only true spiritual knowledge can transport the soul to safety. This earth is a place of exile, a mortal realm where every ‘destination’ eventually fades. The real ‘connectivity’ we lack is the link between our soul and the Supreme Creator, God Kabir, in the eternal realm of Satlok. Sant Garibdas Ji warns,“Drishti pade so dhokha re”, reminding us that everything visible is a perishable illusion.
By adopting true worship, we can achieve the ultimate “flight” (Udan) beyond the 21 universes of Kaal Brahm to a home where peace is permanent, Satlok. This can be made possible only through the refuge of a Complete Saint Who is Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
Would you like to discover the secret path to your eternal home and break free from the cycle of birth and death?
- Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
- YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
- Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
- ‘X’ handle: @SaintRampalJiM
