Modi launches revamped UDAN scheme, inaugurates new terminal at Jodhpur airport
Jodhpur, July 4 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the Centre’s regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major push to India’s civil aviation infrastructure.
The modified UDAN scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet in March this year, has an outlay of about ₹29,000 crore over the next 10 years to strengthen regional air connectivity and support aviation-led economic growth.
Under the revamped scheme, the government plans to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore, construct 200 helipads at a cost of ₹3,661 crore and provide ₹2,577 crore towards operations and maintenance support for regional airports.
The scheme also earmarks ₹10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support regional airline operations.
The government said the scheme would also promote the deployment of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, in remote and underserved regions.
Since its launch in 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes, connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers, according to official figures.
Addressing the gathering, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the expanded scheme would further improve last-mile connectivity and accelerate economic development in Tier-II and Tier-III cities as the country moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, built over 23,342 square metres with an annual handling capacity of 20 lakh passengers.
The new terminal can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and is equipped with 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, advanced baggage handling and security systems.
The expanded apron can accommodate 11 Airbus A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft, while the city-side infrastructure provides parking for about 320 cars.
The previous terminal, with an annual capacity of around four lakh passengers, had reached saturation due to rising passenger traffic.
The new facility incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green building features and has been designed to achieve a five-star GRIHA rating.
Inspired by Rajasthan’s architectural heritage, the terminal blends traditional elements such as arches and jharokhas with modern airport infrastructure.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the terminal would strengthen connectivity in western Rajasthan while the extended UDAN scheme would further democratise air travel across the country.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
TNT KS