India, July 17 -- India is set to witness another major transformation in regional aviation with the approval of the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, backed by an investment of Rs28,840 crore. The enhanced programme aims to expand affordable air connectivity, improve aviation infrastructure and connect underserved and remote regions through a stronger network of airports, helipads and regional air services. The initiative builds on the success of the original Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, which has significantly expanded India's domestic aviation sector since its launch in 2016.

The government plans to develop 100 new airports by upgrading existing unserved airstrips with an allocation of Rs12,159 crore over the...