10 Years of UDAN Scheme: 687 Routes, 95 Aerodromes and ₹28,840 Crore Modified UDAN | उड़ान योजना के 10 वर्ष: 687 मार्ग, 95 हवाई अड्डे और ₹28,840 करोड़ की संशोधित उड़ान योजना

1. Why in News?

On 20 October 2026, the Press Information Bureau published a detailed factsheet titled Wings of Change: 10 Years of Redefining Regional Air Connectivity through UDAN. The publication reviewed the achievements of the Regional Connectivity Scheme, popularly known as UDAN, and explained the government's strategy for its next phase.

UDAN was launched on 21 October 2016 as part of India's efforts to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity to underserved and unserved regions. The scheme has played an important role in extending civil aviation services beyond major metropolitan centres.

According to the October 2026 government factsheet, 687 regional routes and 95 aerodromes have been operationalised under the scheme. More than 3.68 lakh flights have been operated, facilitating travel for approximately 1.72 crore passengers.

The government has also launched the next phase of UDAN, known as Modified UDAN, with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore for the period from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.

The development is important for UPSC, SSC, Railway, banking and State PSC examinations because it covers infrastructure development, regional economic growth, aviation policy, public financing and the role of connectivity in inclusive development.

2. Important Facts at a Glance

• Scheme: UDAN, the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
• Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
• Launch date: 21 October 2016.
• Parent policy: National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
• First UDAN flight: Shimla to Delhi, April 2017.
• Regional routes operationalised: 687.
• Aerodromes operationalised: 95.
• Heliports included: 17.
• Water aerodromes included: 2.
• Flights operated: More than 3.68 lakh.
• Passengers: Approximately 1.72 crore.
• Viability Gap Funding disbursed: ₹5,091.23 crore as of 15 October 2026.
• Modified UDAN launched: 4 July 2026.
• Modified UDAN outlay: ₹28,840 crore.
• Implementation period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
• Proposed airport development: 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips.
• Modern helipads: 200 proposed.
• Administrative ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation.

3. What Is the UDAN Scheme?

UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik. It is a government initiative designed to make regional air travel more affordable and connect places that previously had limited or no scheduled air services.

The scheme is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme framework introduced under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.

Its central objective is to improve accessibility by supporting air services on regional routes that may initially be commercially challenging for airlines.

Large cities generally attract more air passengers and commercial investment. Smaller towns, remote districts, mountainous areas and island territories may have lower passenger volumes or higher operating costs.

UDAN seeks to address this imbalance through route selection, financial support and infrastructure development.

The scheme is therefore associated with both transportation policy and balanced regional development.

4. Why Was UDAN Introduced?

Before the introduction of UDAN, India's commercial aviation network was concentrated heavily around major cities and established airports.

Residents of smaller towns frequently needed to travel considerable distances by road or rail to reach an operational airport.

For people living in remote or mountainous regions, such journeys could take many hours and become especially difficult during medical emergencies or adverse weather conditions.

Limited connectivity also affected tourism, business investment, movement of agricultural products and access to educational or healthcare institutions.

The National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 recognised affordable regional connectivity as an important policy objective.

UDAN was introduced to encourage airlines to operate on regional routes while making air travel accessible to a wider section of the population.

5. How Does UDAN Work?

The scheme combines market-based selection of routes with government support and concessions.

Airlines participate in the selection process for eligible regional routes. Financial support may be provided where operating a service would otherwise be commercially difficult.

One important mechanism is Viability Gap Funding, commonly abbreviated as VGF.

VGF helps bridge part of the financial difference between the cost of providing a service and the revenue that can reasonably be generated from it.

UDAN also uses airfare caps and specified concessions to support affordable travel and airline participation.

However, the objective is not to provide unlimited subsidies indefinitely. Sustainable passenger demand, reliable infrastructure and viable operations remain important for the long-term success of regional routes.

6. What Is Viability Gap Funding?

Viability Gap Funding is financial assistance intended to support projects or services that are economically or socially desirable but may not initially generate sufficient commercial returns.

In regional aviation, airlines may face high operating costs on routes with limited passenger traffic.

Financial support can encourage airlines to introduce or maintain services while demand develops.

According to the government factsheet, ₹5,091.23 crore had been disbursed as VGF under UDAN as of 15 October 2026.

For examinations, students should remember that VGF is a funding mechanism and not a direct measure of airline profitability.

7. Ten Years of UDAN: Major Achievements

The October 2026 government assessment reported that 687 regional routes had been operationalised under UDAN.

A total of 95 aerodromes had been operationalised, including 17 heliports and two water aerodromes.

More than 3.68 lakh flights had operated under the scheme, carrying approximately 1.72 crore passengers.

These figures illustrate the expansion of India's regional aviation network during the first decade of the scheme.

However, operationalised routes and aerodromes should not automatically be interpreted as proof that every route remains commercially active or profitable at the time of publication.

The distinction between cumulative operationalisation and current commercial sustainability is important for policy analysis.

8. Growth of India's Aviation Infrastructure

The government factsheet states that the number of operational airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 by October 2026.

This growth reflects broader investments in aviation infrastructure, including regional connectivity initiatives.

India has also emerged as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, according to the government assessment.

Airport development can support economic activity by improving the movement of passengers, professionals and certain types of goods.

However, the benefits depend on the frequency, reliability and affordability of air services and the availability of supporting transport connections.

9. UDAN in the North-Eastern Region

The North-Eastern Region faces particular connectivity challenges because of mountainous terrain, dispersed settlements and difficult road travel conditions.

Improved aviation infrastructure can help connect remote communities with important administrative, medical and commercial centres.

According to the October 2026 factsheet, 90 priority regional connectivity routes had been operationalised across the North-Eastern states.

A total of 52 aerodromes, including heliports and water aerodromes, had been identified in the region, of which 12 had been operationalised.

Regional air connectivity can support tourism, agricultural trade, access to healthcare and wider economic integration.

10. Modified UDAN: The Next Phase

The next phase of UDAN was formally launched on 4 July 2026.

Modified UDAN is designed to strengthen regional aviation infrastructure, improve operational sustainability and expand connectivity to underserved areas.

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore and an implementation period of ten years, covering FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.

Its approach places greater emphasis on cooperation between the Union Government, States and Union Territories.

The next phase also seeks to strengthen indigenous aviation capabilities and create a more sustainable ecosystem for regional air transport.

11. Development of 100 Airports

Modified UDAN includes a component for developing 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips.

The government factsheet identifies an outlay of ₹12,159 crore over eight years for this component.

The programme is intended to create aviation infrastructure in locations where the absence of suitable facilities has limited regional air connectivity.

Development may involve upgrading existing airstrips and providing the facilities necessary for aviation operations, subject to applicable technical and regulatory requirements.

The target of 100 airports represents planned development rather than a claim that all these airports have already been completed.

12. Operation and Maintenance Support

Building an airport is only one part of establishing reliable regional air connectivity.

Aerodromes also require ongoing operation, maintenance, safety arrangements and administrative support.

Modified UDAN provides for three years of operation and maintenance support for approximately 441 aerodromes.

The estimated allocation for this component is ₹2,577 crore.

According to the factsheet, annual financial support is capped at ₹3.06 crore per airport and ₹0.90 crore per heliport or water aerodrome.

This component recognises that long-term infrastructure viability depends on recurring operational capacity as well as initial capital investment.

13. Development of 200 Modern Helipads

The next phase of UDAN proposes the development of 200 modern helipads.

The estimated cost is ₹15 crore per helipad, with a total projected outlay of ₹3,661 crore over eight years.

Helicopter connectivity is especially relevant for mountainous, remote and geographically difficult regions.

Helipads can support passenger transport and may also be useful for emergency access where appropriate services and operating arrangements are available.

The programme's targets must be distinguished from infrastructure already constructed and commissioned.

14. Viability Gap Funding under Modified UDAN

Modified UDAN includes an allocation of ₹10,043 crore over ten years for Viability Gap Funding to support airlines operating regional routes.

Financial support may be available for up to five years, with tapered assistance beginning from the third year.

Route exclusivity is limited to three years under the described framework.

The tapering structure is intended to encourage routes to become more commercially sustainable over time.

Nevertheless, actual sustainability will depend on passenger demand, airline costs, infrastructure availability and other economic factors.

15. Support for Indigenous Aircraft Manufacturing

The Modified UDAN framework also supports indigenous aviation capabilities under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The government factsheet identifies a proposed allocation of ₹400 crore for two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is an important Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing company.

Strengthening domestic aircraft manufacturing capabilities can contribute to technological self-reliance, industrial development and the availability of platforms suited to regional operating conditions.

The allocation and proposed procurement should not be described as completed aircraft deliveries without further official confirmation.

16. Centre-State Cooperation

The next phase of UDAN places greater emphasis on coordination between the Union Government, States and Union Territories.

According to the official factsheet, 21 Memoranda of Understanding were signed involving the government, participating States and Union Territories, and the Airports Authority of India.

These arrangements provide a framework for identifying, developing and operationalising aviation infrastructure.

State and Union Territory participation is important because local governments are familiar with regional transport needs, land availability and development priorities.

Effective cooperation can help align aviation infrastructure with local economic requirements.

17. Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development

Modified UDAN introduces a Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development.

The portal enables State Governments and Union Territory administrations to nominate airstrips and helipads for development.

Its purpose is to identify potential aviation locations according to local requirements and the programme's development framework.

The mechanism supports a more structured approach to infrastructure selection and coordination.

However, nomination through a portal should not be confused with final approval, completion or commencement of flight operations.

18. Case Study: Purnea Airport, Bihar

Purnea Airport was operationalised in 2025 and improved connectivity for the Seemanchal and Kosi regions of Bihar.

Before improved air access, residents of several districts faced long journeys to reach other operational airports.

The government factsheet states that improved connectivity reduced travel time from Purnea to Kolkata to approximately two hours and to Patna to approximately one hour.

The airport supports access to commercial centres and may strengthen opportunities for businesses and institutions in the region.

The example demonstrates how regional aviation infrastructure can help integrate previously underserved districts with larger economic networks.

19. Case Study: Tezu Airport, Arunachal Pradesh

Tezu Airport is located in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district, a strategically important and geographically challenging region.

The airport was operationalised in 2021.

According to the government assessment, it now supports connectivity for more than two lakh people and has reduced travel time to Guwahati to approximately one hour.

The improved connectivity also supports the movement of agricultural produce such as ginger, cardamom and rice.

Tezu illustrates the importance of aviation infrastructure for remote communities in the North-Eastern Region.

20. Case Study: Deoghar Airport, Jharkhand

Deoghar Airport became operational in July 2022.

It serves a region known for the Baba Baidyanath Dham pilgrimage centre.

Improved connectivity has made travel easier for pilgrims, tourists and people seeking medical services.

The airport also improves access to AIIMS Deoghar and supports local hospitality and tourism-related activities.

The example highlights the relationship between transport infrastructure, religious tourism, healthcare accessibility and local economic development.

21. Case Study: Kishangarh Airport, Rajasthan

Kishangarh Airport serves an area associated with marble production, tourism and pilgrimage destinations such as Ajmer and Pushkar.

Regional air connectivity improved from 2017, reducing dependence on distant airports for some travellers.

Improved access can support commercial activity and tourism by connecting regional centres with broader transport networks.

The government factsheet also highlights the airport's contribution to aviation training and local economic opportunities.

22. Economic Significance of UDAN

Regional aviation can support economic growth by reducing travel time and improving access to markets.

Businesses may benefit from better connectivity with customers, suppliers, investors and professional services.

Tourism destinations may become more accessible to domestic and international visitors.

Air connectivity can also support time-sensitive movement of certain goods, including high-value or perishable agricultural products, where suitable cargo facilities are available.

However, the scale of economic benefits varies by region and depends on service frequency, costs and the availability of complementary infrastructure.

23. Social Significance

Improved air connectivity can increase access to healthcare, education, employment and administrative services.

For residents of remote districts, shorter journeys may be particularly valuable when specialist medical care is required.

Connectivity may also reduce the isolation of geographically difficult regions and support stronger links between communities.

Nevertheless, affordable fares and reliable operations are essential if regional aviation is to serve a broad section of the population rather than only a limited group of travellers.

24. Challenges Facing Regional Aviation

Regional air routes can face challenges involving low passenger demand, high operating costs, difficult terrain and limited supporting infrastructure.

Airlines must manage fuel costs, aircraft availability, maintenance, staffing and commercial risks.

Some airports may require additional investment in safety facilities, navigation systems or ground transportation connections.

Weather conditions can also affect operations, particularly in mountainous and remote areas.

Modified UDAN seeks to address some of these difficulties through infrastructure investment, maintenance support and targeted financial assistance.

25. Environmental Considerations

Aviation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and creates environmental concerns related to energy use, noise and infrastructure development.

Expanding regional aviation therefore requires attention to operational efficiency and environmental safeguards.

Policymakers must balance connectivity benefits with environmental impacts and the availability of alternative transport modes.

Better aircraft utilisation, efficient operations and appropriate infrastructure planning can form part of a broader approach to sustainable aviation.

26. UPSC GS Paper II Relevance

UDAN is relevant to government policy, cooperative federalism, public service delivery and the role of infrastructure in regional inclusion.

Modified UDAN's emphasis on Centre-State coordination provides an example of cooperation between different levels of government.

The scheme can also be studied in relation to accessibility and reducing regional disparities.

27. UPSC GS Paper III Relevance

The scheme is relevant to infrastructure, economic development, transport policy, investment and regional connectivity.

Important concepts include Viability Gap Funding, infrastructure maintenance, economic viability, domestic aircraft manufacturing and public support for commercially challenging services.

The role of regional airports in tourism, agricultural trade and local economic activity is also important.

28. Important Prelims Facts

• UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
• The scheme was launched on 21 October 2016.
• It operates within the Regional Connectivity Scheme framework.
• The first UDAN flight connected Shimla and Delhi in April 2017.
• 687 regional routes had been operationalised by the October 2026 assessment.
• 95 aerodromes had been operationalised.
• The total includes 17 heliports and two water aerodromes.
• More than 3.68 lakh flights had been operated.
• Approximately 1.72 crore passengers had travelled under the scheme.
• ₹5,091.23 crore had been disbursed as VGF by 15 October 2026.
• Modified UDAN was launched on 4 July 2026.
• Its outlay is ₹28,840 crore.
• Its implementation period is FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
• 100 airports are targeted for development from unserved airstrips.
• 200 modern helipads are proposed.
• ₹10,043 crore is allocated for airline VGF in the next phase.
• 21 MoUs support Centre-State and Union Territory coordination.
• The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

29. Practice Questions

Q1. What is the full form of UDAN? Answer: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.

Q2. When was UDAN launched? Answer: 21 October 2016.

Q3. Which two cities were connected by the first UDAN flight? Answer: Shimla and Delhi.

Q4. How many regional routes had been operationalised by October 2026? Answer: 687.

Q5. How many aerodromes had been operationalised? Answer: 95.

Q6. What is the outlay of Modified UDAN? Answer: ₹28,840 crore.

Q7. What is the implementation period of Modified UDAN? Answer: FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.

Q8. How many modern helipads are proposed? Answer: 200.

Q9. What is the full form of VGF? Answer: Viability Gap Funding.

Q10. Which ministry administers UDAN? Answer: Ministry of Civil Aviation.

30. Analytical Conclusion

Ten years of UDAN demonstrate India's sustained effort to expand regional aviation beyond major cities and improve access to air travel.

The cumulative achievements of 687 routes, 95 aerodromes and approximately 1.72 crore passengers indicate the scale of the programme's contribution to regional connectivity.

Modified UDAN represents the next phase of this policy, combining infrastructure development, operational support, airline funding and indigenous aviation capacity.

Its long-term success will depend on creating reliable and commercially sustainable air services while ensuring that public expenditure generates meaningful regional development benefits.

For competitive examinations, students should focus on the launch date, full form, first flight, achievements, funding mechanisms and key provisions of Modified UDAN.

31. Official Sources

• PIB Factsheet: Wings of Change, 20 October 2026
• PIB: Cabinet Decision on Modified UDAN
• Ministry of Civil Aviation