UDAN 2.0 and Beyond: Rs 28,840 Crore to Transform Regional Aviation.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is partnering with 22 states—including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat—to launch the next phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). Backed by a 10-year financial outlay of Rs 28,840 crore (FY2026-27 to FY2035-36), this phase introduces a "Challenge Mode" and new route bidding rounds. The initiative targets the development of 100 airports from unserved airstrips and modern helipads in remote regions, featuring Rs 12,159 crore specifically dedicated to airport infrastructure and viability gap funding for airlines.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.