Jodhpur Takes Flight: PM Modi Launches Modified UDAN Scheme & New Airport Terminal
Jodhpur is set for a major aviation boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the Modified UDAN Scheme and inaugurated a state-of-the-art airport terminal, marking a significant leap forward in India's civil aviation landscape and reinforcing the vision of 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik'.
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A New Era for Jodhpur Aviation
Today, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport and officially launched the Modified UDAN Scheme, marking a pivotal moment for regional air connectivity in India. The event in Jodhpur underscored the government's commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure and making air travel more accessible and affordable for the common citizen across the country.
This dual inauguration is poised to significantly enhance Jodhpur's role as a vital hub in Rajasthan and the wider region. The Prime Minister was received by dignitaries including Governor Haribhau Bagade, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, highlighting the collaborative effort behind these monumental projects.
Modified UDAN Scheme: A Decade of Connectivity
The revamped UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme is backed by a substantial allocation of ₹28,840 crore over the next ten years, specifically from Financial Year 2026-27 to 2035-36. This long-term initiative aims to accelerate the next phase of aviation-led development, with a strategic focus on ensuring comprehensive and sustainable connectivity across India.
The original UDAN scheme, launched in October 2016, successfully transformed regional connectivity by operationalizing hundreds of routes and connecting numerous airports, heliports, and water aerodromes. The Modified UDAN Scheme builds upon this foundation, designed to expand aviation infrastructure, support airport operations, and provide crucial viability gap funding to airlines.
Key Components of the Modified Scheme
- Aerodrome Development: A significant emphasis is placed on developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips. This component alone has an outlay exceeding ₹12,000 crore, aimed at expanding aviation infrastructure nationwide.
- Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Support: To ensure the viability of regional airports during their initial years of operation, over ₹2,500 crore has been earmarked for O&M support.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): The scheme includes Viability Gap Funding support exceeding ₹10,000 crore (specifically ₹10,043 crore) for airlines, which is crucial for ensuring sustained regional operations and encouraging gradual commercial viability on less popular routes.
- Helipad Development: To address accessibility challenges in remote and difficult terrains, the scheme proposes the development of 200 modern helipads, with an investment of ₹3,661 crore.
- Indigenous Aircraft Procurement: Strengthening the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision, the initiative proposes the procurement of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, to enhance connectivity and operations in underserved regions.
Jodhpur Airport New Terminal: A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
The inauguration of the state-of-the-art new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport is a landmark achievement. Constructed at a total cost of ₹480 crore, the expansive facility covers an area of more than 23,000 square meters (approximately 2.5 lakh square feet). It is meticulously designed to handle up to 20 lakh (2 million) passengers annually, with a peak hour capacity of 1,000 passengers, significantly boosting Jodhpur's capacity to manage increased air traffic.
The terminal is equipped with modern passenger amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable travel experience. Reflecting Rajasthan's rich royal heritage, its architectural design seamlessly blends traditional elements like arches and jharokhas with contemporary infrastructure. Furthermore, the new terminal prioritizes sustainability, featuring energy-efficient green building systems and aiming for a 5-Star GRIHA rating, incorporating water conservation measures and green building techniques.
The Journey of UDAN: Making Air Travel Accessible
The original UDAN scheme, launched in October 2016, aimed to make air travel affordable for the common citizen by capping airfares on regional routes and offering Viability Gap Funding to airlines. Over nine years, it successfully operationalized 663 routes across 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes, benefiting over 1.62 crore passengers. The scheme has been instrumental in connecting un-served and under-served airports and revitalizing underutilized infrastructure.
The Modified UDAN Scheme is an extension and enhancement of this successful program, approved by the Union Cabinet on March 25, 2026. It underscores the government's continued dedication to expanding regional air connectivity and ensuring long-term policy certainty for airlines and airport operators.
Economic and Social Impact
The launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme and the new Jodhpur Airport terminal is expected to have a profound economic and social impact on Jodhpur and the broader region. It will significantly boost tourism, trade, and employment generation, fostering economic growth and integration. Enhanced connectivity will improve access to healthcare and essential services, creating new opportunities for inclusive growth across the nation.
For Jodhpur, which has seen its air traffic double in the last 12 years to over one million passengers annually, the increased airport capacity will support higher tourist inflow and local trade.
Future Outlook for Regional Aviation
With a comprehensive allocation and a clear vision spanning the next decade, the Modified UDAN Scheme is poised to redefine regional aviation in India. The focus on infrastructure expansion, operational sustainability, last-mile connectivity, and the integration of indigenous manufacturing capabilities aligns perfectly with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. While specific new routes from Jodhpur under this modified scheme are expected soon, the overarching goal is to deepen economic integration and create new avenues for development. The future of regional air travel in India, spearheaded by initiatives like the Modified UDAN Scheme, looks brighter and more connected than ever before.