The Centre has proposed budgetary support of Rs 28,840 crore over the next 10 years for the modified UDAN scheme, according to the civil aviation minister. The plan is meant to back the next phase of India’s regional air connectivity programme.
A key part of the proposed support would go toward viability gap funding for airlines. This mechanism is used to make flights on regional routes more financially sustainable, especially where passenger demand may take time to build.
The package would also cover the development and maintenance of airports and heliports linked to the scheme. That suggests the government is looking beyond route support alone and tying airline incentives to infrastructure needs in smaller or less-served locations.
The proposal underlines a long-term push to improve regional aviation access. With support planned across a decade, the modified UDAN framework appears aimed at strengthening connections between underserved areas and the wider air travel network.
