In her presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant push toward enhancing regional connectivity with the launch of a Modified UDAN scheme. The initiative will bring 120 new destinations into the network and facilitate travel for an additional 4 crore passengers over the next decade.
The scheme prioritizes the development of helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeastern districts to improve access to remote regions. “The Modified UDAN scheme will enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years,” Sitharaman said.
To address the rising aviation demands in Bihar, the Finance Minister announced the facilitation of greenfield airports. These will supplement the capacity of Patna airport and include the development of a brownfield airport in Bihta, aimed at strengthening the state’s air infrastructure and supporting its economic growth.
Further advancing Bihar’s agricultural sector, Sitharaman pledged financial support for the Western Kosi Canal Extension, Renovation, and Modernization (ERM) project in Mithilanchal. The initiative is expected to benefit over 50,000 hectares of farmland, providing critical irrigation support for local farmers.
“This project will benefit a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region,” Sitharaman highlighted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to agricultural development and water resource management.
(Inputs from ANI)