ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Ports & Airports
Cabinet Overhauls Regional Connectivity with the Modified UDAN Scheme Targeting 100 New Airports
The Central Government is set to officially launch the revamped 'Modified UDAN Scheme' on June 20, 2026, aimed at bolstering regional aviation infrastructure.
With an aggregate budgetary outlay of ₹28,840 crore, the overhauled scheme will run for a tenure of 10 years, spanning from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
Key infrastructural targets include developing 100 new airports (budgeted at ₹12,159 crore over 8 years) and setting up 200 modern helipads primarily in hilly, remote, and island terrains.
To ensure operational continuity, ₹2,577 crore is earmarked for three years of Operation & Maintenance support covering approximately 441 aerodromes.
Aspirants should note that this scheme bridges the urban-rural economic divide by promoting accessibility and lower-cost regional air transport.
With an aggregate budgetary outlay of ₹28,840 crore, the overhauled scheme will run for a tenure of 10 years, spanning from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
Key infrastructural targets include developing 100 new airports (budgeted at ₹12,159 crore over 8 years) and setting up 200 modern helipads primarily in hilly, remote, and island terrains.
To ensure operational continuity, ₹2,577 crore is earmarked for three years of Operation & Maintenance support covering approximately 441 aerodromes.
Aspirants should note that this scheme bridges the urban-rural economic divide by promoting accessibility and lower-cost regional air transport.
Key Facts / Static GK
UDAN Original Launch Year: 2016
UDAN Parent Policy: National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016
UDAN Parent Policy: National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016
Practice Quiz — 20 June 2026
Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Modified UDAN Scheme set to be launched in June 2026? I. It will be implemented for a period of 10 years with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore. II. Under the scheme, 200 modern helipads will be developed with an outlay of ₹3,661 crore. III. The original UDAN scheme was launched in 2018.
Answer: (B) Only I and II — Statements I and II are correct. Statement III is incorrect as the original UDAN scheme was launched in 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, not in 2018.
Q2. Under the newly proposed Modified UDAN Scheme, what is the planned total financial outlay and its targeted implementation duration?
Answer: (B) Rs 28,840 crore for 10 years — The revamped regional connectivity scheme (Modified UDAN) will be executed for a period of 10 years (from 2026-27 to 2035-36) with a total projected outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
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