New Delhi: The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), popularly known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), has operationalised 687 regional air routes and facilitated travel for 1.72 crore passengers over the past decade, as the Centre prepares to expand the programme with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore over the next 10 years.
Launched on October 21, 2016, UDAN aims to improve affordable air connectivity to unserved and underserved regions. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 95 aerodromes, including 17 heliports and two water aerodromes, have been operationalised under the scheme, with more than 3.68 lakh flights operated.
The government has disbursed ₹5,091.23 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) as of October 15, 2026, to encourage airlines to operate regional routes. The scheme uses capped airfares, concessions and financial support to improve the commercial viability of such services.
The Modified UDAN scheme, launched on July 4, 2026, will run from the financial year 2026-27 to 2035-36. It aims to strengthen aviation infrastructure, improve the sustainability of regional air services and support the development of indigenous aircraft.
Under the modified programme, ₹12,159 crore has been earmarked over eight years to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips. Another ₹2,577 crore has been allocated for three years of operations and maintenance support for approximately 441 aerodromes.
The plan also includes the development of 200 modern helipads at an estimated cost of ₹3,661 crore over eight years and ₹10,043 crore in VGF for airlines operating regional routes over 10 years. An allocation of ₹400 crore is proposed for two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air to strengthen connectivity in remote areas.
The next phase places greater emphasis on coordination between the Centre, states and Union Territories. According to the ministry, 21 memorandums of understanding have been signed with participating states and Union Territories and the Airports Authority of India to coordinate the identification, development and operationalisation of aviation facilities.
A dedicated Challenge Mode Portal will allow state governments and Union Territory administrations to nominate airstrips and helipads for development based on local connectivity requirements.
The northeastern region remains a priority because of its difficult terrain and limited connectivity. Under UDAN, 90 priority routes have been operationalised across northeastern states, while 52 aerodromes, including heliports and water aerodromes, have been identified. Of these, 12 have been operationalised.
The scheme’s expansion comes as India’s domestic aviation market has grown, with the number of operational airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 166, according to the government. Employment across the aviation sector has also risen from around three million in 2014 to nearly 7.7 million in 2026, with the potential to reach 25 million by 2040.
The ministry cited airports at Purnea in Bihar, Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh, Deoghar in Jharkhand and Kishangarh in Rajasthan as examples of regional connectivity supporting tourism, medical access, agricultural trade and employment.
Purnea Airport, operationalised in 2025, has improved air access for more than 10 districts in Bihar’s Seemanchal and Kosi regions. Tezu Airport, operational since 2021, has reduced travel time to Guwahati and facilitated the movement of agricultural produce.
Deoghar Airport, which opened in July 2022, has improved access for pilgrims visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham and patients travelling to AIIMS Deoghar. Kishangarh Airport has supported connectivity for the marble trade and visitors to Ajmer and Pushkar.
The Modified UDAN scheme aims to build on these gains by addressing infrastructure gaps and the financial challenges associated with operating regional routes, with a focus on expanding access to air travel across geographically diverse parts of the country.
