Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport and launched the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, marking a significant boost to India’s regional aviation infrastructure and connectivity. The initiatives are aimed at expanding air travel access, strengthening regional connectivity, and accelerating aviation-led economic development across the country.
Constructed at an investment of ₹480 crore, the new terminal spans over 23,000 square metres and has been designed to handle up to 20 lakh passengers annually. Inspired by Rajasthan’s architectural heritage, the terminal incorporates traditional elements such as arches and jharokhas while offering modern passenger amenities and enhanced operational efficiency. The upgraded facility is expected to support tourism, trade, and business activities in the region.
The Prime Minister also unveiled the Modified UDAN Scheme, which has a proposed outlay of ₹28,840 crore over the next 10 years. The revamped programme focuses on expanding regional air connectivity by developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved and underutilised airstrips, providing greater Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support for regional airports, and constructing 200 helipads to improve connectivity in remote, hilly, and aspirational regions.
The revised scheme aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable while creating a sustainable regional aviation network. By strengthening airport infrastructure and improving the viability of regional routes, the government expects the initiative to stimulate tourism, generate employment, facilitate trade, and integrate smaller towns into the national aviation network.
The inauguration of the Jodhpur terminal and the rollout of the Modified UDAN Scheme form part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise India’s civil aviation sector through infrastructure expansion and enhanced regional connectivity, supporting balanced economic growth across the country.