Connectivity from mountains to small towns: 100 new airports to be built in the country at a cost of ₹30,000 crore

The Government of India is set to launch a scheme named 'Modified UDAN,' under which 100 new airports will be constructed across the country over the next 10 years. The government plans to spend ₹30,000 crore on this project.

The central government is making tireless efforts to improve connectivity for India's smaller cities. To this end, a new scheme is being planned under which 100 new airports will be built nationwide over the next decade. This initiative will be executed under the 'Modified UDAN' scheme, which aims to enhance connectivity in smaller cities and towns.

Statement by the Civil Aviation Minister

According to *Business Standard*, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated that the government intends to spend approximately ₹30,000 crore on this scheme. Its primary objective is to boost air connectivity in small cities, hilly regions, remote areas, and islands. This initiative is expected to foster tourism, business, and employment, while also making it easier for people to access essential services.

Target to build 100 airports

The Union Cabinet approved the 'Modified UDAN' scheme. The scheme will run from 2026-27 to 2035-36, with a total government budget allocation of ₹28,840 crore. Under this scheme, 100 airports will be developed from existing but underutilized airstrips; ₹12,159 crore has been earmarked for this purpose. Additionally, support for the operation and maintenance of approximately 441 airports and airstrips will be provided for a period of three years.

The government notes that the demand for air travel is no longer limited to major cities; people in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, hilly regions, and islands also desire better air connectivity.

Merely Building Airports Is Not Enough

Experience with the earlier UDAN scheme reveals that operating regular flights can be challenging even after airports are constructed. According to a 2023 CAG audit report, out of the 774 routes approved up to UDAN-3, operations never commenced on 403 routes. Of the 371 routes that did become operational, only 112 completed the full three-year tenure. By March 2023, only 54 routes remained operational beyond the period of government subsidy.

For this reason, the modified UDAN scheme emphasizes not only the construction of airports but also the long-term operation of regional flights. The government has earmarked ₹10,043 crore to provide financial support to airlines operating on regional routes over the next 10 years.