India, July 17 -- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Modified UDAN, unveiled by PM Narendra Modi on 4 July 2026 from Jodhpur Airport, and discussed at a workshop in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Growth & Impact
- India has grown from 65 airports in 2001 to 164 airports in 2026 (adding 90 in the last 12 years).
- 55 unutilized airstrips revived into operational airports.
- India now ranks as the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.
Modified UDAN
Affordable Airfare: RCS caps on 50% seats, no max cap for larger aircraft (>80 seats)
Aircraft Acquisition: 2 HAL Dhruv helicopters (PHL) + 2 HAL Dornier aircraft (Alliance Air)
Viability Gap Funding: 5-year support, tapering: Year 3 - 75%, Year 4 - 50%, Year 5 - 25%
Aerodrome Development: Prioritized development post Challenge Mode, market-driven route creation
Funding for Aerodromes: Rs.12,159 Cr for 100 airports (next 10 years) + Rs.3,661 Cr for 200 helipads
O&M Support: 3-year O&M support for manpower costs (Rs.3.06 Cr/airport, Rs.0.9 Cr/heliport)
Route Sustainability: Efforts to allocate viable slots at major airports
Definition of Served Airports: >14 departures/week + >2 city pairs + >40,000 passengers (priority areas: >21 departures/week)
Route Award: State-recommended routes prioritized
Timely Operationalization: Only airlines with AOP can bid; re-bidding if route not commenced |
Success Stories
- Darbhanga....
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.