Prime Minister launches the Next Phase of UDAN – Viksit UDAN
1. At a Glance
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is India's flagship Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), launched 2016; "Viksit UDAN" marks its next 10-year phase (FY2026-27 to FY2035-36) [S1][S2].
- PM Narendra Modi launched Viksit UDAN and inaugurated the New Terminal Building (NTB) at Jodhpur Airport on 4 July 2026 [S1].
- Relevant for Prelims (scheme facts, numbers) and Mains GS-II/III (infrastructure, federalism, inclusive growth, Atmanirbhar Bharat in aviation).
2. Why in the News
- On 4 July 2026, PM Modi launched the "Next Phase of UDAN – Viksit UDAN" and inaugurated Jodhpur's new terminal building, in presence of Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol [S1].
- This follows the Union Cabinet's approval of the "Modified UDAN" scheme [S2][S3].
3. Background & Evolution
- UDAN launched: 21 October 2016, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), rooted in PM's vision that "even a common man in slippers should be able to afford air travel" [S1].
- Original UDAN achievements: 669 routes operationalised, 95 airports/heliports/water aerodromes connected, over 1.66 crore passengers benefitted [S1].
- UDAN entered its 9th year in October 2025 [S1].
- Cabinet approved Modified UDAN / Viksit UDAN for a 10-year period (FY2026-27 to FY2035-36) [S2][S3].
- 4 July 2026: PM formally launches this next phase and inaugurates Jodhpur NTB [S1].
4. Core Static Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Civil Aviation [S1] |
| Scheme umbrella | Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) [S2] |
| Original launch | 21 October 2016 [S1] |
| Modified UDAN approval / duration | FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 (10 years) [S2][S3] |
| Total outlay (Modified UDAN) | ₹28,840 crore (budgetary support) [S2] |
| Aerodrome development | 100 aerodromes (from unserved airstrips) — ₹12,159 crore [S2][S3] |
| O&M support | ₹2,577 crore [S2][S3] |
| Modern helipad development | 200 helipads — ₹3,661 crore [S2][S3] |
| Viability Gap Funding (regional airlines) | ₹10,043 crore [S2][S3] |
| Original UDAN outcomes | 669 routes, 95 airports/heliports/water aerodromes, 1.66 crore+ passengers [S1] |
| Jodhpur NTB cost | ₹480 crore [S1] |
| Jodhpur NTB inaugurated | 4 July 2026 by PM Modi [S1] |
| Jodhpur NTB capacity | 20 lakh passengers/year; 1,500 passengers/hour peak; 20 check-in counters; 6 aerobridges [S1] |
5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Economic - Expands regional air connectivity to smaller towns, remote/hilly areas, islands, aspirational districts — aims to broaden aviation's economic multiplier beyond metros [S3]. - Viability Gap Funding of ₹10,043 crore sustains regional airline operations on commercially unviable but socially necessary routes [S2].
Administrative - Long 10-year horizon (FY26-27 to FY35-36) signals shift from short renewable cycles to a stable, predictable infrastructure-financing framework [S2]. - Involves coordination between Centre, state governments (e.g., Rajasthan for Jodhpur), and Airports Authority of India for aerodrome/helipad rollout.
Strategic/Technological - Focus on promoting indigenous aircraft platforms (e.g., HAL Dhruv, Dornier) aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat in aviation manufacturing [S1]. - Helipad network (200 planned) supports last-mile and hilly/remote-area connectivity, relevant to disaster response and strategic access.
Social - Explicit stated goal: benefits of aviation should not be confined to metros but extend to aspirational districts, islands, and hilly regions [S3].
6. Recent Developments (last 12-18 months)
- Union Cabinet approved Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN, with outlay ₹28,840 crore [S2][S3].
- 4 July 2026: PM Modi launched Viksit UDAN and inaugurated Jodhpur Airport's New Terminal Building [S1].
7. Prelims Hooks
- UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, launched 21 October 2016 [S1].
- UDAN is implemented under the Ministry of Civil Aviation [S1].
- Original UDAN connected 95 airports/heliports/water aerodromes via 669 routes [S1].
- Original UDAN benefitted over 1.66 crore passengers [S1].
- Modified UDAN (Viksit UDAN) approved by Union Cabinet with outlay ₹28,840 crore [S2].
- Modified UDAN duration: FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 (10 years) [S2].
- Modified UDAN targets development of 100 aerodromes (₹12,159 crore) [S2].
- Modified UDAN targets 200 modern helipads (₹3,661 crore) [S2].
- Viability Gap Funding component under Modified UDAN: ₹10,043 crore [S2].
- Jodhpur Airport's New Terminal Building inaugurated 4 July 2026, cost ₹480 crore [S1].
- Jodhpur NTB annual capacity: 20 lakh passengers; peak hourly capacity 1,500 passengers [S1].
- Union Minister of Civil Aviation (as of July 2026): Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu [S1].
- MoS Civil Aviation: Murlidhar Mohol [S1].
- Rajasthan CM at the event: Bhajan Lal Sharma; Governor: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde [S1].
8. Mains Relevance
- GS-III: Infrastructure — Airports; investment models in infrastructure development.
- GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; issues arising from design and implementation.
- Possible question stems: 1. "Discuss the evolution of the UDAN scheme since 2016 and assess how 'Viksit UDAN' addresses the shortcomings of the original scheme." (GS-III) 2. "Regional connectivity is key to inclusive economic growth. Examine this with reference to the Modified UDAN scheme." (GS-II/III) 3. "Critically evaluate the Viability Gap Funding mechanism as a tool for sustaining regional airline operations in India." (GS-III)
9. Related Topics to Study Next
- Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) — the parent umbrella scheme of which UDAN is the flagship component.
- AAI (Airports Authority of India) — implementing agency for airport infrastructure.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in aviation manufacturing — indigenous aircraft platforms (HAL Dhruv, Dornier) mentioned as focus areas.
- National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016 — broader policy framework under which UDAN was conceived.
- Krishi UDAN — related scheme for perishable cargo air transport, often confused with UDAN-RCS.
- PM GatiShakti / National Infrastructure Pipeline — multimodal connectivity linkage.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism — used across infra sectors (PPP projects), useful comparative concept.
10. Common Errors / Trap Areas
- Confusing UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) with Krishi UDAN (cargo/agriculture scheme) — different objectives.
- Wrong launch year: UDAN launched 2016, not to be confused with National Civil Aviation Policy also of 2016 — they are related but distinct.
- Outlay figures: note ₹28,840 crore (official Cabinet approval figure) is the precise number to cite over rounded approximations like "₹29,000 crore."
- Attributing UDAN solely to AAI — it is a Ministry of Civil Aviation scheme; AAI is an implementing/infrastructure partner, not the scheme owner.
- Assuming Jodhpur NTB inauguration is part of the original UDAN — it is tied to the Viksit UDAN/Modified UDAN next phase launch (4 July 2026).
11. Sources
- [S1] Prime Minister launches the Next Phase of UDAN – Viksit UDAN — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2281051 — (tier: 1)
- [S2] Cabinet approves Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN with a total outlay of Rs.28,840 crore — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2245096®=3&lang=1 — (tier: 1)
- [S3] Cabinet Approves Modified UDAN to Deepen Regional Connectivity and Expand Inclusive Air Access Across India — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2245471®=48&lang=2 — (tier: 1)