21 states sign MoUs under next phase of UDAN scheme

Twenty-one states and Union Territories have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Civil Aviation Ministry under the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu described UDAN as a transformative initiative that has expanded regional air connectivity across India. He said that, following the extension of the scheme for another 10 years, the government plans to develop 100 new airports and 200 modern heliports or helipads across the country.

The next phase of UDAN is also aimed at facilitating air travel for four crore passengers. Naidu said aviation-sector employment has increased from around three million in 2014 to nearly 7.7 million currently, with the sector expected to have the potential to support 25 million jobs by 2040.

The Civil Aviation Minister stated that more than 90 airports have been developed over the past decade under the UDAN scheme, providing affordable air travel to nearly 1.54 crore passengers.

The event also saw the launch of the Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development and the release of the scheme document for the next phase of UDAN route bidding.

“Modified UDAN rests on four pillars: affordability for passengers, sustainability of operations, a transparent Challenge Mode framework for projects and the promotion of indigenous manufacturing. Together, we are building an ecosystem towards the larger ambition of Made in India Civil aircraft. That is the direction in which this next phase of UDAN is taking us,” said Naidu.

Under the Challenge Mode, airport projects will be prioritised and fast-tracked, with the construction timeline targeted at 18 months compared with the previous average of two to three years.

The route bidding process will support the expansion of air services to unserved and underserved regions, improving connectivity and mobility while supporting economic activity, tourism, trade and employment.