100 new airports and 200 heliports planned to boost regional connectivity over the next decade.

Centre Allocates ₹28,840 Crore for Next Phase of Modified UDAN Scheme.

The Central Government has proposed ₹28,840 crore in budgetary support over the next 10 years for the expanded Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to strengthen regional air connectivity across India. The package includes ₹10,043 crore for viability gap funding to help airlines offer affordable fares, ₹12,159 crore for developing 100 new airports, ₹3,661 crore for building 200 modern heliports, ₹2,577 crore for airport and heliport operations and maintenance, and ₹400 crore for acquiring two Dhruv helicopters and two Dornier aircraft. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the scheme will focus on connecting remote, hilly, aspirational, and underserved regions while expanding support to heliports and seaplanes. Since its launch, the UDAN scheme has benefited 1.68 crore passengers, strengthened tourism and trade, and played a key role in making India the world's third-largest domestic aviation market.