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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3369
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd March 2026
UDAN SCHEME
3369. SHRI LAHAR SINGH SIROYA
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government has significantly expanded regional air connectivity under the
UDAN scheme and strengthened airport infrastructure across the country during 2025-26;
(b) the number of operational airports, new air routes and aviation infrastructure projects
undertaken in the State of Karnataka; and
(c) the impact of these initiatives on tourism growth, business connectivity and regional
economic development in the State and across India?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar
Mohol)
(a): Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), as
on 28.02.2026, 663 routes connecting 95 unserved and underserved airports (including 17
heliports and 02 water aerodromes) have been developed and operationalised. During 2025-
26, 3 airports, 02 heliports and 38 routes have been operationalised across the country.
(b): In the State of Karnataka, 7 airports, namely Bidar, Mysuru, Vidyanagar, Hubballi,
Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Shivamogga, have been developed under the UDAN scheme, with
118 RCS routes operationalised. Further, the aviation infrastructure projects undertaken in the
State are as follows:
1) At Hubballi Airport, construction of a new domestic terminal building along with
extension and reconfiguration of apron bays for Code "C" type aircraft, including allied
infrastructure, is being undertaken.
2) At Belagavi Airport, construction of a new domestic terminal building along with
extension and reconfiguration of apron bays for Code "C" type aircraft, including allied
infrastructure, is being undertaken.
(c): The UDAN scheme has had a significant and positive impact on tourism, business
connectivity, and regional economic development, enhancing access to healthcare and
generating direct and indirect employment. The Government has further announced the
Modified UDAN Scheme to expand regional connectivity to 120 new destinations, including
the Southern Region, targeting 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years.
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