Parliament Question: Expansion of UDAN Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 764 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 ) EXPANSION OF UDAN SCHEME 764. SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has met its target of operationalising hundred unserved or underserved airports by early 2026 and if so, the details thereof; (b) the roadmap and targets fixed for the next phase of expansion of airports under UDAN Scheme to unserved and underserved regions including the timelines and proposed locations; (c) the manner in which the increased budgetary allocation under the UDAN Scheme for the Financial Year 2026-27 would be utilised to enhance last-mile connectivity in the North-Eastern Region; and (d) whether the Government has finalised the Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme to promote tourism in island territories and coastal regions and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) As on 20.07.2026, a total of 679 RCS routes connecting 95 unserved and underserved airports, including 17 heliports and 02 water aerodromes, have been operationalised across the country under the UDAN Scheme. (b) & (c) The next phase of the UDAN Scheme was launched on 04.07.2026 to promote regional air connectivity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and remote regions across the country, targeting 120 new destinations and 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. The Scheme is being implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with an outlay of Rs 28,840 crore, including ;Rs. 12,159 crore for Aerodromedevelopment and Rs3,661 crore for development of 200 heliports in Hilly, North- Eastern and Aspirational (HINER) States/districts. The Scheme provides a Challenge Mode framework under which State Governments may nominate airstrips for development. Proposals are evaluated based on availability of land, infrastructure readiness, technical and operational feasibility, traffic potential, statutory clearances and support of the State Governments. (d) In the Union Budget 2025-26, it was announced that, to enhance last-mile and remote connectivity and promote tourism, the Government would incentivise indigenisation of seaplane manufacturing and introduce a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme to support seaplane operations. The Scheme is presently at the formulation stage. ******