Rajasthan : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the next phase of the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major push towards affordable air travel and stronger regional connectivity across India.

The revamped UDAN scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year, comes with an outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next 10 years. It aims to develop 100 new aerodromes, build 200 helipads, provide operational support to regional airports, and continue viability gap funding to expand air services to underserved and remote areas.

The initiative will also promote the use of indigenous aircraft, including HAL Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft.Since its launch in 2016, the UDAN programme has operationalised 669 routes, connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, and enabled more than 1.66 crore passengers to fly under the regional connectivity scheme.

During the event, PM Modi also dedicated the ₹480-crore New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport to the nation. Spread across 23,342 sq. metres, the terminal can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. It is equipped with 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, modern baggage handling systems, and an expanded apron capable of accommodating 11 A321 aircraft and one ATR-72.

Inspired by Rajasthan’s royal architecture, the terminal blends traditional arches and jharokhas with modern infrastructure while incorporating sustainable features aimed at securing a 5-Star GRIHA green building rating.

The launch of the upgraded UDAN scheme and the inauguration of Jodhpur’s new terminal underline the Centre’s vision of expanding regional aviation, improving connectivity, boosting tourism and trade, and accelerating the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.