Mumbai, July 10 -- The Prime Minister launched the next phase of UDAN and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, with senior central and state leaders in attendance, underlining the Government's focus on expanding regional air connectivity and infrastructure development.

Launched in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes and connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefiting about 16.6 million (mn) passengers. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme on 25 March 2026 with an outlay of Rs 290 billion (bn) over the next ten years to accelerate aviation-led development and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Modified UDAN focuses on expanding regional infrastructure by developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of Rs 121.59 bn, providing Rs 25.77 bn towards operations and maintenance support for regional airports, and investing Rs 36.61 bn to develop 200 modern helipads. Continued viability gap funding of Rs 100.43 bn is earmarked to sustain regional airline operations, while the scheme promotes induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms for underserved regions.

The new terminal at Jodhpur was developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of Rs 4.8 bn. Spread across 23,342 square metres, the facility is designed to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and about 2 million (mn) passengers annually, and includes 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening, modern baggage handling systems and six aerobridges. The apron can accommodate 11 A-321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft, and the city-side layout provides parking for around 320 cars.

The existing terminal had reached saturation with an annual capacity of about 0.4 million (mn) passengers, prompting the expansion to meet future demand. The new facility incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices aimed at achieving a five-Star GRIHA rating, while its architecture draws on Rajasthan's royal heritage to showcase cultural identity alongside modern passenger amenities.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.