Prime Minister launches Modified UDAN (Viksit UDAN) and inaugurates Jodhpur Airport's new terminal

On 4 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme—referred to as "Viksit UDAN"—and inaugurated the New Terminal Building (NTB) at Jodhpur Airport.

Key highlights of the Modified UDAN Scheme
- Total outlay: Approximately ₹29,000 crore over the next 10 years.
- Cabinet approval: 25 March 2026.
- Objective: Expand regional air connectivity and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Investment breakup
- ₹12,159 crore to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips.
- ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support to regional airports.
- ₹3,661 crore to develop 200 modern helipads.
- ₹10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to sustain regional airline operations.

Encourages the use of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, particularly in remote and underserved regions. UDAN achievements since 2016

Under UDAN Scheme
- 669 routes have been operationalized.
- 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes have been connected.
- More than 1.66 crore passengers have benefited.
- New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport's new terminal
- Area: 23,342 sq. metres.
- Peak-hour capacity: 1,500 passengers.
- Annual passenger capacity: 20 lakh.
- 20 check-in counters.
- Modern baggage handling and security systems.
- 6 aerobridges.
- Apron capacity for 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and 1 ATR-72 aircraft.
- Parking for approximately 320 cars.

Sustainability and design
- Designed with energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and green building practices.
- Targeting a 5-Star GRIHA green building rating.
- Architecture reflects Rajasthan's heritage, incorporating traditional elements such as arches and jharokhas.

Why the new terminal was needed
The previous terminal had an annual capacity of about 4 lakh passengers and had reached saturation due to increasing passenger traffic. The new facility is intended to accommodate future growth while enhancing passenger experience.

New phase of UDAN aims to:
- Improve regional and last-mile air connectivity.
- Expand aviation infrastructure across underserved regions.
- Promote tourism and trade.
- Generate employment and economic opportunities.
- Support the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through aviation-led development.