Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the next phase of the UDAN scheme and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major step in strengthening regional air connectivity and aviation infrastructure in India.
The event was attended by Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Murlidhar Mohol and other dignitaries.
Launched in 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers. Building on this progress, the Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on March 25, 2026, with an outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next 10 years.
The revised scheme aims to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore, while allocating ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support for regional airports. It also includes ₹3,661 crore for developing 200 helipads and ₹10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding to sustain regional airline operations. The programme will also encourage the deployment of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, in remote and underserved regions.
Speaking at the launch, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme with a historic outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s aviation journey. Since 2016, UDAN has transformed the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Hawai Chappal se Hawai Jahaz’ into a national movement by making air travel affordable, accessible and aspirational for every Indian. Today, UDAN is not merely a connectivity scheme—it is a celebration of India’s aspirations, empowering farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses with new opportunities for growth. From Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the remotest regions, aviation has become a powerful engine of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the next phase of UDAN will further strengthen last-mile connectivity and ensure that the vision of ‘Sabki Udaan, Sabka Vikas’ becomes a reality across every corner of the country.”
During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore.
Spread across 23,342 sq. m, the terminal has the capacity to handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, advanced baggage handling and security systems, while the expanded apron can accommodate 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft. The city-side infrastructure also includes parking for around 320 vehicles.
The previous terminal, with an annual capacity of approximately four lakh passengers, had reached saturation due to increasing traffic. The new facility has been designed with sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices, with the aim of achieving a 5-Star GRIHA rating. Inspired by Rajasthan’s architectural heritage, the terminal incorporates traditional design elements such as arches and jharokhas.
Commenting on the inauguration, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “I congratulate the people of Jodhpur and the entire western Rajasthan region on this magnificent new terminal, which beautifully reflects the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Marwar. From its royal Rajasthani facade to interiors inspired by the region’s vibrant traditions, the terminal will offer every passenger, especially visitors from across the world, their very first experience of Rajasthan’s warmth and the spirit of ‘Padharo Mhare Desh.’ Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we are building airports that seamlessly combine world-class infrastructure with India’s cultural identity. Every such new terminal, every new route brings us one step closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The existing terminal, with an annual capacity of about 4 lakh passengers, had reached saturation due to sustained traffic growth. The new facility addresses future demand while incorporating sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building practices aimed at achieving a 5-Star GRIHA rating. Architecturally inspired by Rajasthan’s royal heritage, the terminal blends traditional elements such as arches and jharokhas with contemporary design.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol remarked, “I congratulate the people of Rajasthan on the inauguration of the magnificent new terminal at Jodhpur Airport. The terminal beautifully showcases the rich cultural heritage of Marwar and will offer visitors a memorable first glimpse of Rajasthan’s heritage. Also, the landmark extension of UDAN for another decade by the PM also took place from Jodhpur. The Modified UDAN scheme will further democratize aviation in the country by integrating every region into India’s growth story.”
