UDAN scheme to add 120 new destinations in next 10 years

“Inspired by the success of UDAN, a modified scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 40 million additional passengers in the next 10 years,” Sitharaman told Parliament in her budget speech.

The finance minister has allocated ₹530 crore for UDAN in 2025-26, compared to the revised estimate of ₹800 crore in 2024-25. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2016, aims to make air travel affordable by improving connectivity from unserved and underserved airports.

The modified scheme will expand its scope to include support for helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeastern regional districts, Sitharaman said.