The Government of India will invest around ₹28,840 crore over the next 10 years to expand and strengthen the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said. The move is aimed at taking the flagship regional aviation programme into its next phase and strengthening air connectivity across the country.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru after a meeting of the Civil Aviation Consultative Committee, Naidu said UDAN has made significant progress during its first decade and that the government now intends to scale up the programme further. The meeting reviewed the scheme’s progress and its future expansion, along with broader issues related to the civil aviation sector.
The Minister said the government is working closely with state governments to improve aviation infrastructure, regional connectivity and airport operations and management. Greater coordination with states is expected to support the development of airport infrastructure and enable more efficient operations as the country’s aviation network expands. The next phase of investment comes as the government seeks to broaden the reach of regional air connectivity and bring more cities and underserved areas into the aviation network. The initiative is also expected to support economic activity in smaller cities by improving access to air transport and strengthening links with major urban centres.
The government’s broader civil aviation push also includes measures to strengthen India’s position as a passenger and cargo transit hub. Earlier this week, Naidu flagged off the scaled-up phase of the country’s transshipment cargo reforms at Delhi’s IGI Airport, with the initiative aimed at reducing cargo transit time and handling costs.
The ₹28,840-crore commitment is expected to provide a long-term push to regional aviation infrastructure and connectivity, while supporting the development of a more integrated and accessible air transport network across India.
