Jodhpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the next phase of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, titled Viksit UDAN, and inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major push for India’s civil aviation infrastructure and regional air connectivity.
The event was attended by Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Governor of Rajasthan; Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation; Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism; Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation; and other dignitaries.
Launched in October 2016, UDAN — short for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik — has been one of the government’s flagship aviation schemes aimed at making air travel more accessible beyond India’s major metros. According to official figures, the scheme has so far operationalised 669 routes, connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, and benefited more than 1.66 crore passengers.
Building on that network, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on March 25, 2026, with an outlay of approximately ₹29,000 crore over ten years. The new phase is designed to accelerate aviation-led development and support the larger vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The modified scheme will focus on developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, with an investment of ₹12,159 crore. It also includes ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support at regional airports, ₹3,661 crore for the development of 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore in continued Viability Gap Funding to support regional airline operations.
The scheme will also promote the use of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, particularly for underserved and remote regions. In other words, UDAN is not just getting a longer runway; it is getting a wider map.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme with a historic outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s aviation journey. Since 2016, UDAN has transformed the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Hawai Chappal se Hawai Jahaz’ into a national movement by making air travel affordable, accessible and aspirational for every Indian. Today, UDAN is not merely a connectivity scheme—it is a celebration of India’s aspirations, empowering farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses with new opportunities for growth. From Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the remotest regions, aviation has become a powerful engine of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the next phase of UDAN will further strengthen last-mile connectivity and ensure that the vision of ‘Sabki Udaan, Sabka Vikas’ becomes a reality across every corner of the country.”
Alongside the launch of Viksit UDAN, the Prime Minister inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore.
The new terminal is expected to strengthen connectivity for Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s famed “Blue City” and a key gateway to the Thar Desert. The facility is also aimed at supporting the region’s tourism, trade and economic activity.
Spread across 23,342 square metres, the terminal has been designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. It includes 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening systems, modern baggage handling facilities and six aerobridges.
The newly developed apron can accommodate 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft, while the city-side infrastructure provides parking for approximately 320 cars.
Commenting on the inauguration, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “I congratulate the people of Jodhpur and the entire western Rajasthan region on this magnificent new terminal, which beautifully reflects the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Marwar. From its royal Rajasthani facade to interiors inspired by the region’s vibrant traditions, the terminal will offer every passenger, especially visitors from across the world, their very first experience of Rajasthan’s warmth and the spirit of ‘Padharo Mhare Desh.’ Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we are building airports that seamlessly combine world-class infrastructure with India’s cultural identity. Every such new terminal, every new route brings us one step closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The older terminal at Jodhpur Airport, with an annual capacity of around 4 lakh passengers, had reached saturation following sustained growth in traffic. The new facility has been planned to address future demand while incorporating sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices aimed at achieving a 5-Star GRIHA rating.
Architecturally, the terminal draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal heritage, combining traditional design elements such as arches and jharokhas with modern airport infrastructure. It is the sort of airport upgrade where passengers may look up from their boarding pass and briefly remember they are in one of India’s most visually rich regions.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol said, “I congratulate the people of Rajasthan on the inauguration of the magnificent new terminal at Jodhpur Airport. The terminal beautifully showcases the rich cultural heritage of Marwar and will offer visitors a memorable first glimpse of Rajasthan’s heritage. Also, the landmark extension of UDAN for another decade by the PM also took place from Jodhpur. The Modified UDAN scheme will further democratize aviation in the country by integrating every region into India’s growth story.”
The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and the inauguration of Jodhpur Airport’s New Terminal Building together mark another significant step in India’s aviation expansion. By combining regional connectivity, modern airport infrastructure, indigenous aviation platforms and tourism-linked growth, the initiatives seek to make air travel more accessible while positioning aviation as a driver of inclusive economic development across the country.
