**Executive Summary**
On July 4, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched "Viksit UDAN," the next phase of the regional connectivity scheme, and inaugurated a new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport. The modified scheme involves a ₹29,000 crore outlay over the next ten years to expand infrastructure, including aerodromes and helipads. These initiatives aim to enhance last-mile connectivity, support indigenous aviation, and drive socio-economic growth toward the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Modified UDAN Scheme (Viksit UDAN)**
* **Financial Outlay:** Approximately ₹29,000 crore allocated over ten years to accelerate aviation-led development.
* **Infrastructure Expansion:** Investment of ₹12,159 crore to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips.
* **Heliport Development:** Allocation of ₹3,661 crore for the construction of 200 modern helipads.
* **Operational Support:** Provision of ₹2,577 crore for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and ₹10,043 crore for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to sustain regional airline operations.
* **Indigenous Promotion:** Encourages the use of Indian-made aircraft and helicopters, specifically HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, for remote and underserved regions.
**New Terminal Building (NTB) at Jodhpur Airport**
* **Capacity and Scale:** Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for ₹480 crore, the 23,342-square-metre facility can handle 20 lakh passengers annually (up from 4 lakh) and 1,500 peak-hour passengers.
* **Technical Specifications:** Features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, and an apron capable of accommodating 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft.
* **Sustainability:** Designed to achieve a 5-Star GRIHA rating through energy-efficient systems, water conservation, and green building practices.
* **Cultural Design:** The architecture incorporates traditional Rajasthani elements, such as arches and jharokhas, reflecting the heritage of the Marwar region.
**Impact Analysis**
**Regional Passengers and Citizens**
**Impact**
Increased access to affordable and aspirational air travel via new routes and modernized terminal facilities.
**Action Required**
Utilize the expanded regional flight network and the upgraded facilities at Jodhpur Airport for travel.
**Tourism and Trade Sectors**
**Impact**
Enhanced connectivity to Jodhpur and the Thar Desert is expected to boost local commerce, employment, and the hospitality industry.
**Action Required**
Leverage the increased passenger capacity to expand business operations and regional tourism offerings.
**Aviation Industry and Manufacturers**
**Impact**
New opportunities for regional airlines through VGF and O&M support; increased demand for indigenous aircraft like HAL Dhruv and Dornier.
**Action Required**
Airlines must operationalize new routes, while manufacturers should support the induction of indigenous platforms into the regional fleet.
**Airports Authority of India (AAI)**
**Impact**
Responsible for the execution of massive infrastructure projects including 100 aerodromes and 200 helipads.
**Action Required**
Manage the development, maintenance, and sustainable operations of the newly planned aviation infrastructure.
Key Entities Referenced
Modified UDAN Scheme: The next phase of India's regional connectivity program launched with an outlay of ₹29,000 crore to expand aviation infrastructure, including aerodromes and helipads.
Viksit Bharat 2047: The long-term national vision aimed at transforming India into a developed nation, which the Modified UDAN Scheme supports through aviation-led development.
Jodhpur Airport, Rajasthan: The location where the New Terminal Building was inaugurated to enhance connectivity for the 'Blue City' and the Thar Desert region.
Airports Authority of India: The organization responsible for developing the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport and implementing regional aviation infrastructure milestones.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: A referenced policy framework under which the Modified UDAN Scheme promotes the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Prime Minister launches the Next Phase of UDAN
– Viksit UDAN
New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport inaugurated by the
PM
प्रव तथ: 04 JUL 2026 3:57PM by PIB Delhi
In a major boost to India's civil aviation sector, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched
the next phase of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) and inaugurated the New Terminal Building
(NTB) at Jodhpur Airport, reaffirming the Government's commitment to expanding regional air
connectivity and developing world-class aviation infrastructure.
The event was held in the august presence of Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Governor of Rajasthan;
Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union
Minister of Civil Aviation; Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism;
Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and other dignitaries.Launched in October 2016, the UDAN Scheme has transformed regional connectivity by
operationalising 669 routes and connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefitting
over 1.66 crore passengers. Building on this success, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon'ble Prime
Minister, approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026 with an outlay of approximately
₹29,000 crore over the next ten years to accelerate aviation-led development and advance the vision
of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Modified UDAN Scheme focuses on expanding regional aviation infrastructure through the
development of 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore.
It also provides ₹2,577 crore towards Operations and Maintenance support for regional airports,
development of 200 modern helipads with an investment of ₹3,661 crore, and continued Viability GapFunding of ₹10,043 crore to sustain regional airline operations. Further strengthening the vision of
Atmanirbhar Bharat, the scheme promotes the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters,
including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, for operations in underserved and remote regions.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, speaking on the occasion,
said, "The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme with a historic outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore
under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji marks the beginning of a new
chapter in India's aviation journey. Since 2016, UDAN has transformed the Prime Minister's vision of
'Hawai Chappal se Hawai Jahaz' into a national movement by making air travel affordable, accessible
and aspirational for every Indian. Today, UDAN is not merely a connectivity scheme—it is a
celebration of India's aspirations, empowering farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and
businesses with new opportunities for growth. From Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the remotest regions,
aviation has become a powerful engine of economic development, tourism, employment and social
inclusion. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the next phase of UDAN will further strengthen
last-mile connectivity and ensure that the vision of 'Sabki Udaan, Sabka Vikas' becomes a reality
across every corner of the country."On this occasion, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport,
a significant infrastructure milestone developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480
crore. The new terminal will strengthen connectivity for Jodhpur—Rajasthan's renowned "Blue City"
and gateway to the Thar Desert, while supporting the region's growing tourism, trade and economic
potential.
Spread across 23,342 square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak
hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening
systems, modern baggage handling facilities and six aerobridges, ensuring a seamless passenger
experience. The newly developed apron can accommodate 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft,
while the city-side infrastructure provides parking for approximately 320 cars.Adding about the inauguration of the New Terminal Building, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, "I congratulate the people of Jodhpur and the entire
western Rajasthan region on this magnificent new terminal, which beautifully reflects the rich cultural
and architectural heritage of Marwar. From its royal Rajasthani facade to interiors inspired by the
region's vibrant traditions, the terminal will offer every passenger, especially visitors from across the
world, their very first experience of Rajasthan's warmth and the spirit of 'Padharo Mhare Desh.' Under
the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we are building airports that
seamlessly combine world-class infrastructure with India's cultural identity. Every such new terminal,
every new route brings us one step closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047."
The existing terminal, with an annual capacity of about 4 lakh passengers, had reached saturation due
to sustained traffic growth. The new facility addresses future demand while incorporating sustainable
features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices
aimed at achieving a 5-Star GRIHA rating. Architecturally inspired by Rajasthan's royal heritage, the
terminal blends traditional elements such as arches and jharokhas with contemporary design.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol remarked, "I congratulate the
people of Rajasthan on the inauguration of the magnificent new terminal at Jodhpur Airport. The
terminal beautifully showcases the rich cultural heritage of Marwar and will offer visitors a
memorable first glimpse of Rajasthan's heritage. Also, the landmark extension of UDAN for another
decade by the PM also took place from Jodhpur. The Modified UDAN scheme will further
democratize aviation in the country by integrating every region into India’s growth story.”
The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and the inauguration of the New Terminal Building at
Jodhpur Airport together mark another significant milestone in India's aviation journey. These
initiatives reinforce the Government's vision of creating an integrated, accessible and future-ready
aviation ecosystem that enhances regional connectivity, strengthens airport infrastructure, promotes
tourism and trade, and drives inclusive socio-economic development across the nation.
***
Divyanshu Kumar
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2281051) आगंतुक पटल : 2583
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