Next phase of UDAN: Civil Aviation Ministry signs 21 MoUs with States/UTs and launches Challenge Mode portal for aerodromes
On 22 September 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation signed 21 MoUs with States/UTs and AAI under the next phase of the UDAN scheme, and Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launched the Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development.
Summary
The 21 UDAN MoUs, signed at The Ashok in New Delhi, set a framework for the Centre, States/UTs and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the scheme's implementing agency, to identify, develop and run aviation assets. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said Modified UDAN rests on four pillars: affordability for passengers, sustainability of operations, a transparent Challenge Mode framework and promotion of indigenous manufacturing. Since its launch, UDAN has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes, with over 3.66 lakh flights carrying about 1.71 crore passengers. Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol said Modified UDAN targets 120 new destinations and 4 crore more passengers over ten years.
Key facts
- MoUs
- 21, between MoCA, States/UTs and AAI (implementing agency)
- Launched
- Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development
- Four pillars of Modified UDAN
- Affordability, sustainability, Challenge Mode framework, indigenous manufacturing
- UDAN so far
- 687 routes, 95 aerodromes, 3.66 lakh+ flights, ~1.71 crore passengers
- Target
- 120 new destinations and 4 crore more passengers over 10 years
Practice MCQs 4 questions
How many MoUs did the Ministry of Civil Aviation sign with States/UTs on 22 September 2026 under the next phase of UDAN?
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Correct answer: D — 21
A total of 21 MoUs were signed between the Ministry, participating States/UTs and AAI.
Which body is the implementing agency of the UDAN scheme?
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Correct answer: B — Airports Authority of India
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the implementing agency under UDAN and is a party to the 21 MoUs.
As stated in September 2026, how many routes has UDAN operationalised since its launch?
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Correct answer: A — 687
UDAN has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes, with over 3.66 lakh flights.
Consider the following about Modified UDAN: 1. Promotion of indigenous manufacturing is one of its four pillars. 2. Modified UDAN targets 120 new destinations over the next ten years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The four pillars are affordability, sustainability, a Challenge Mode framework and indigenous manufacturing; the MoS cited 120 new destinations and 4 crore more passengers over ten years.