Modified UDAN: Strengthening India's Regional Aviation Network

📌 Summary:

• The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), launched October 2016, aims to make air travel affordable and extend connectivity to underserved/unserved regions
• Over nine years UDAN has operationalised 679 routes across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, serving 1.68 crore+ passengers via 3.58 lakh+ flights
• Modified UDAN (launched 4 July 2026) runs FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore; envisions 100 new airports and 200 modern helipads
• India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market; operational airports rose from 74 (2014) to 165 (15 July 2026)
• The new phase emphasises airport infrastructure, operational support and a viable ecosystem for airlines in smaller markets; new Jodhpur terminal (23,342 sq m, 20 lakh passengers/year) cited as an example

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — infrastructure and regional connectivity as drivers of balanced economic development and inclusive growth.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• UDAN = Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, launched October 2016
• Modified UDAN outlay: ₹28,840 crore over FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36
• Targets: 100 new airports, 200 helipads; India is the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market
• Operational airports: 74 (2014) to 165 (2026)

🔑 Key Term: Viability Gap Funding (VGF) — the mechanism under UDAN by which the government subsidises airlines to keep certain regional-route fares affordable.