Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates stakeholder workshop on Modified UDAN

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Modified UDAN, unveiled by PM Narendra Modi on 4 July 2026 from Jodhpur Airport, and discussed at a workshop in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Growth & Impact
- India has grown from 65 airports in 2001 to 164 airports in 2026 (adding 90 in the last 12 years). - 55 unutilized airstrips revived into operational airports. - India now ranks as the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.

Modified UDAN
Affordable Airfare: RCS caps on 50% seats, no max cap for larger aircraft (>80 seats)
Aircraft Acquisition: 2 HAL Dhruv helicopters (PHL) + 2 HAL Dornier aircraft (Alliance Air)
Viability Gap Funding: 5-year support, tapering: Year 3 – 75%, Year 4 – 50%, Year 5 – 25%
Aerodrome Development: Prioritized development post Challenge Mode, market-driven route creation
Funding for Aerodromes: ₹12,159 Cr for 100 airports (next 10 years) + ₹3,661 Cr for 200 helipads
O&M Support: 3-year O&M support for manpower costs (₹3.06 Cr/airport, ₹0.9 Cr/heliport)
Route Sustainability: Efforts to allocate viable slots at major airports
Definition of Served Airports: >14 departures/week + >2 city pairs + >40,000 passengers (priority areas: >21 departures/week)
Route Award: State-recommended routes prioritized
Timely Operationalization: Only airlines with AOP can bid; re-bidding if route not commenced |

Success Stories
- Darbhanga: Shahi litchi now exported globally.
- Kishangarh: Marble industry revived, 2 crore pilgrims connected to Ajmer & Pushkar.
- Jharsuguda, Nanded, Deogarh, Keshod: Enhanced connectivity transforming local economies.

Vision Ahead
- Affordable fares for Tier-II & Tier-III cities.
- Development of 200 modern helipads in HINER states & aspirational districts.
- Strengthening regional connectivity to align with Viksit Bharat 2047.

This next phase of UDAN is designed to democratize air travel further, ensuring that aviation reaches every corner of India while boosting trade, tourism, and employment.