Centre signs MoUs with 21 states/UTs for next phase of UDAN

• The Civil Aviation Ministry said it has signed 21 agreements with states and Union Territories under the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.

• The launch of the next phase of UDAN builds on the inauguration by the Prime Minister in Jodhpur on July 4, 2026.

• The MoUs, between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, participating states/UTs and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), mark a significant milestone in centre-state cooperation to develop aviation infrastructure and expand air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.

• The agreements establish a structured framework for coordinated action between the Centre, states/UTs and AAI to identify, develop and operationalise aviation assets, aligned with the connectivity requirements and priorities of states and Union Territories.

What is UDAN scheme?

• UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the RCS-UDAN scheme on October 21, 2016. 

• The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017 from Shimla to Delhi.

• The primary objective of the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) is to facilitate and stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable. 

• The regional connectivity scheme will be applicable on route length between 200 to 800 km with no lower limit set for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions.

• RCS-UDAN is a demand-driven scheme, where airline operators undertake assessment of demand on particular routes.

• In March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved Modified UDAN for a period of ten years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.

• It will have a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore with the budgetary support of the government of India.

• Under the modified scheme, the government plans to develop 100 additional aerodromes with an investment of over Rs 12,000 crore, build 200 helipads, continue viability gap funding to sustain regional airline operations, and provide support for the maintenance of smaller airports.

Impact of UDAN

• As of August 2026, as many as 687 routes have been operationalised across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes.

• More than 3.41 lakh flights have been operated, carrying 1.66 crore passengers.

• Connectivity has been established in remote, hilly and island regions, boosting tourism, healthcare access and emergency services.

• The scheme has fostered growth in regional airlines and diverse fleet operations, laying a strong foundation for the Modified UDAN Scheme.

• India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)