Government Schemes and Policy · 5 July 2026
Modified UDAN Scheme: ₹28,840 Crore Outlay for Regional Air Connectivity
Exam-focused facts from the 5 July 2026 current affairs briefing.
Key facts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore over 10 years.
- The scheme is approved for implementation from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 to strengthen regional air connectivity and promote indigenous aircraft procurement.
- Financial allocations include ₹12,159 crore for developing 100 airports from unserved airstrips, ₹2,577 crore for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) support for around 441 aerodromes, and ₹10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for airline operators.
- The scheme proposes an investment of ₹3,661 crore over eight years to develop 200 modern helipads in remote and difficult terrains.
- Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the government plans to procure two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.
- A new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, constructed at a cost of ₹480 crore and spanning over 23,000 square metres, was inaugurated with a capacity to handle 20 lakh passengers annually.