PM launches next phase of UDAN, 'Viksit UDAN', and inaugurates new Jodhpur Airport terminal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the next phase of UDAN, the Modified UDAN Scheme with an outlay of about Rs 29,000 crore over ten years, and inaugurated the Rs 480 crore new terminal at Jodhpur Airport on 4 July 2026.
Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the next phase of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), 'Viksit UDAN', and inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, Rajasthan on 4 July 2026. The Modified UDAN Scheme, approved by the Cabinet on 25 March 2026, has an outlay of about Rs 29,000 crore over ten years: Rs 12,159 crore to develop 100 aerodromes from unserved airstrips, Rs 3,661 crore for 200 helipads, Rs 2,577 crore for operations and maintenance, and Rs 10,043 crore of Viability Gap Funding. It promotes indigenous aircraft such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier. UDAN, launched in October 2016, has operationalised 669 routes connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes for over 1.66 crore passengers. The Jodhpur terminal, built by the Airports Authority of India at Rs 480 crore, can handle 20 lakh passengers a year.
Key facts
- Launched
- 4 July 2026, Jodhpur
- Outlay
- About Rs 29,000 crore over 10 years (approved 25 March 2026)
- Components
- 100 aerodromes (Rs 12,159 cr); 200 helipads (Rs 3,661 cr); O&M (Rs 2,577 cr); VGF (Rs 10,043 cr)
- UDAN so far
- Launched Oct 2016; 669 routes; 95 airports/heliports/water aerodromes; 1.66 crore passengers
- Jodhpur terminal
- AAI; Rs 480 crore; 23,342 sq m; 20 lakh passengers a year
Practice MCQs 4 questions
What is the approximate outlay of the Modified UDAN Scheme launched by PM Modi on 4 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rs 29,000 crore over ten years
The Modified UDAN Scheme, approved on 25 March 2026, has an outlay of approximately Rs 29,000 crore over the next ten years.
How many aerodromes are to be developed from existing unserved airstrips under the Modified UDAN Scheme?
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Correct answer: A — 100
The scheme provides Rs 12,159 crore to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips; 200 is the number of helipads.
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, whose next phase was launched on 4 July 2026, was originally launched in which month and year?
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Correct answer: B — October 2016
The UDAN Scheme was launched in October 2016 and has since operationalised 669 routes connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
Consider the following statements about the Modified UDAN Scheme: 1. It provides Viability Gap Funding of Rs 10,043 crore. 2. It provides for 200 modern helipads. 3. It promotes indigenous platforms such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct: VGF of Rs 10,043 crore, 200 helipads (Rs 3,661 crore) and promotion of HAL Dhruv and Dornier.