The Vision: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik
At the heart of this massive infrastructure push is the 'Modified UDAN' scheme. UDAN, which stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik or 'Let the Common Citizen Fly', is the government's flagship regional connectivity program. Launched initially in 2016, its
goal has always been to make air travel affordable and accessible, moving it from a luxury to a viable option for more Indians. This new, modified phase of the scheme, approved in March 2026, doubles down on that vision, aiming to develop airports and helipads in areas that are currently unserved or underserved by air travel. The plan is not just about building infrastructure but about fostering economic growth, tourism, and easier access to services for people in Tier-2, Tier-3, and remote regions.
The Scale of the Project
The numbers behind the plan are significant. The government intends to spend approximately ₹30,000 crore over the next ten years, from fiscal year 2026-27 to 2035-36, to bring this vision to life. This initiative will focus on developing 100 airports, primarily by upgrading existing but unused or underutilised airstrips across the country. In addition to airports, the plan also includes the development of 200 modern helipads to improve connectivity in hilly and remote areas where traditional runways aren't feasible. This builds on a period of rapid growth that has already seen India's airport count increase from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 2026.
Connecting 'New' India
The focus of this expansion is squarely on regional India. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the demand for air travel is surging from smaller cities, remote regions, the Himalayan states, and island territories like Lakshadweep and the Andamans. For residents in these areas, reaching the nearest major airport can often involve a long and arduous journey by road or rail. This project aims to bridge that gap by placing airports closer to where people live and work. By connecting these emerging economic and tourist centres, the government hopes to unlock local potential, boost trade, and make it easier for people to travel for business, leisure, and personal reasons.
How It Works for Travellers: The Hub-and-Spoke Model
So, how will this network of smaller airports function effectively? The strategy relies on a 'hub-and-spoke' model. Instead of expecting these new, smaller airports to support direct flights to every major destination, they will act as 'spokes' feeding into larger 'hub' airports. From these hubs, passengers can then get seamless connecting flights to major domestic and international destinations. The government has already started implementing this model, with airports in Varanasi, Amritsar, and most recently Ahmedabad being designated as hubs. For travellers, this means you could soon fly from a small town near your home to a regional hub and then onwards to Delhi, Mumbai, or even an international location, all on a single, more convenient itinerary.
The Path Ahead and Potential Hurdles
While the vision is ambitious, the execution will be a long-term project spanning a decade. A significant challenge will be ensuring the financial viability of these new routes and airports. Previous phases of the UDAN scheme saw some routes and airports struggle with low passenger numbers. The Modified UDAN scheme attempts to address this by offering financial support, known as Viability Gap Funding (VGF), to airlines for a longer period of five years to encourage them to operate on these less-dense routes. The success of the plan will depend on a combination of this government support, strategic route planning by airlines, and the organic growth of demand in these newly connected regions.
