Govt to Invest ₹28,840 Crore in UDAN Over Next 10 Years

Bigger aviation infrastructure and stronger regional connectivity aim to bring more cities into India’s air network.

The Centre plans to invest around ₹28,840 crore over the next 10 years to expand the UDAN regional connectivity scheme and strengthen air connectivity across India, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said. The government is working with states to improve airport infrastructure, connectivity and operational efficiency as UDAN enters its next phase. The scheme has already expanded regional air access over the past decade, with the government now targeting broader connectivity across the country. Alongside passenger connectivity, India is also strengthening its aviation cargo infrastructure. A recent transhipment reform at Delhi’s IGI Airport reduced cargo transit time on a Chennai–Delhi–Frankfurt route from 60 hours to 20 hours during its proof of concept. The cargo network has expanded to Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad, with London and Copenhagen added as international destinations. The government aims to transform Indian airports into global passenger and cargo transit hubs, supporting trade, tourism and regional economic growth.