Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the regional air connectivity scheme, ‘Viksit UDAN’, and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major push to India’s civil aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other dignitaries.
Launched in October 2016, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has operationalised 669 routes, connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, while benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers. Building on its success, the Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on March 25, 2026, with an outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next decade to accelerate regional aviation and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Under the revamped scheme, the government plans to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore. It also earmarks ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support for regional airports, ₹3,661 crore for the construction of 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore as viability gap funding to sustain regional airline operations. The scheme will also encourage the deployment of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, in underserved and remote regions.
Speaking at the event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the next phase of UDAN marks a new chapter in India’s aviation journey and reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making air travel affordable and accessible for every citizen.
He said the scheme has evolved beyond a connectivity initiative into a catalyst for economic growth by creating opportunities for farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses, while strengthening tourism, employment and social inclusion across Tier-2, Tier-3 and remote regions.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore. The facility is expected to significantly enhance connectivity to Jodhpur, a major tourism hub and gateway to the Thar Desert.
Spread over 23,342 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and accommodate up to 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, advanced security screening systems, modern baggage handling facilities and an expanded apron capable of accommodating 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft. The city-side infrastructure also includes parking space for around 320 cars.
The new terminal replaces the existing facility, which had an annual capacity of around four lakh passengers and had reached saturation due to rising air traffic. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices aimed at securing a 5-Star GRIHA rating.
Inspired by Rajasthan’s royal architectural heritage, the terminal blends traditional design elements such as arches and jharokhas with modern infrastructure, offering passengers a glimpse of Marwar’s cultural identity.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the new terminal reflects Rajasthan’s rich heritage while the extension of the UDAN scheme for another decade will further democratise aviation by integrating every region into India’s growth story.
The launch of Viksit UDAN and the commissioning of the new Jodhpur Airport terminal underline the government’s focus on expanding regional connectivity, strengthening aviation infrastructure, promoting tourism and trade, and driving inclusive economic development across the country.
