Parliament Question: Implementation of Modified UDAN Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. : 271 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6th August 2026 ) IMPLEMENTATION OF MODIFIED UDAN SCHEME 271. SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has identified the unserved and underserved airstrips proposed to be developed under the modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; (b) the criteria adopted for prioritising the development of new regional airports, heliports and water aerodromes under the Scheme; (c) whether any proposals have been approved for induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters under the scheme and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the measures taken to strengthen operational viability and passenger traffic on the newly connected regional routes? ANSWER Minister of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu) (a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House. ******STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 271 FOR ANSWER ON 06.08.2026 REGARDING "IMPLEMENTATION OF MODIFIED UDAN SCHEME" ASKED BY SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI AND SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA. (a) & (b): The next phase of the UDAN Scheme has been 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 F.Y. 2026-27 to F.Y. 2035- 36 with an outlay of Rs. 28,840 crore, including development of 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips with an outlay of Rs. 12,159 crore and Rs. 3,661 crore for development of 200 heliports in Hilly, North-Eastern and Aspirational (HINER) areas. The Scheme provides a Challenge Mode framework under which State Governments may nominate aerodromes and helipads for development. Proposals are evaluated based on availability of encumbrance-free land, infrastructure readiness, technical and operational feasibility, traffic potential, statutory clearances and support of the State Governments. (c): The Union Cabinet has approved the next phase of UDAN scheme, which includes the proposal for procurement of two HAL Dhruv helicopters and two HAL Dornier aircraft for operation of regional air services, particularly in remote and difficult-terrain areas, to augment the availability of small aircraft and helicopters for regional connectivity and promote the domestic aerospace sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. (d): To strengthen the operational viability of regional routes and promote sustainable passenger traffic, the Scheme incorporates a longer VGF mechanism extending up to five years, progressively tapered to enable airlines to transition towards commercially sustainable operations. Further, the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations may identify and propose their priority routes for inclusion in the bidding process in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme. *****