120 New Destinations, 4 Crore Passengers: How Modified UDAN Will Reshape Regional Flying

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday signed 21 agreements with states and Union Territories under the next phase of the UDAN scheme, setting a framework for developing aviation infrastructure and expanding air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.

The memorandums of understanding were signed between the ministry, participating states and UTs, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the implementing agency for UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). They provide for coordinated action to identify, develop and operationalise aviation assets according to regional connectivity requirements.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the next phase, known as Modified UDAN, rests on four pillars: passenger affordability, sustainability of operations, a transparent Challenge Mode framework and promotion of indigenous manufacturing.

Since its launch, UDAN has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes. More than 3.66 lakh flights have carried around 1.71 crore passengers under the scheme, the ministry said.

The government has set a target of adding 120 new destinations and four crore more passengers over 10 years. The next phase builds on the launch of Modified UDAN in Jodhpur on July 4 and a stakeholder workshop held in July to discuss its roadmap.

Naidu also launched a Challenge Mode portal for aerodrome development and released the scheme document for the next phase of UDAN route bidding. Under the new mechanism, states and UT administrations can nominate airstrips and helipads for development through the dedicated portal.

The ministry said the portal will allow local administrations to identify locations with potential for aviation connectivity and facilitate creation or upgrading of infrastructure based on local requirements.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said more than 20 states are coming together for the next phase. He said the scheme is aimed at opening 120 new destinations and carrying four crore additional passengers over the coming decade.

The ministry said the agreements mark a shift from policy consultations towards implementation, with focus on Centre-state and UT cooperation, aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Naidu said the next phase also seeks to promote indigenous manufacturing, with the broader objective of developing a Made in India civil aircraft ecosystem.