UDAN scheme extended to strengthen regional air connectivity.
India has approved a $3.06 billion aviation expansion plan aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and making air travel more accessible. The initiative will be implemented under the UDAN scheme, which has been extended for another 10 years from fiscal 2026-27 to 2035-36.
The plan includes the development of 100 new airports and the addition of 200 heliports, significantly expanding aviation access across underserved and remote regions.
Beyond Infrastructure to Route Viability
Unlike earlier phases, the revamped UDAN program will not only focus on building infrastructure but also ensure that routes remain commercially viable.
The government has allocated funding for viability gap support to airlines, helping sustain operations on routes that may not be immediately profitable but are critical for connectivity.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the plan includes approximately ₹28,840 crore in budgetary support, along with ₹10,043 crore dedicated to viability gap funding.
Building on a Decade of Expansion
Since its launch in 2016, the UDAN scheme has played a key role in reshaping India’s aviation network.
Over the past decade, the program has enabled the addition of 663 routes and 95 new airports, connecting regions that previously lacked reliable air access. Around 16.2 million passengers have benefited from these services.
The next phase aims to significantly scale this impact, with an estimated 40 million additional passengers expected to benefit from expanded connectivity.
Aviation as an Economic Engine
India, currently one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is positioning air connectivity as a driver of economic growth.
Airports are increasingly viewed not just as transit points but as catalysts for regional development, supporting tourism, trade, and job creation.
The expansion also addresses long-standing challenges in the sector, including infrastructure gaps and limited access in smaller cities.
Long-Term Vision for 2047
The government’s ambitions extend beyond the current plan.
India aims to increase the total number of airports to between 350 and 400 by 2047, up from around 163 in 2025. This aligns with broader national goals of economic expansion and infrastructure development.
Expanding Reach Across Regions
The inclusion of 200 heliports highlights a focus on last-mile connectivity, particularly in geographically challenging or remote areas where traditional airport infrastructure may not be feasible.
Additional funding will also support the operation and maintenance of hundreds of aerodromes, ensuring that newly developed infrastructure remains functional and sustainable.
A Strategic Bet on Connectivity
The expanded UDAN scheme reflects a broader strategy to democratize air travel in India.
By combining infrastructure development with financial support for airlines, the government is attempting to balance accessibility with sustainability, ensuring that regional routes not only open but continue to operate.
As the aviation sector grows, this approach positions connectivity as a foundational layer for economic inclusion, linking smaller cities and rural regions to national and global markets.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport opened for public use on December 25 last year.
Supplied
