PM Modi launches new UDAN phase, inaugurates Jodhpur airport terminal

Published 4 July 2026 · politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the Centre's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, and inaugurated a new terminal building at Jodhpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the Centre's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, and inaugurated a new terminal building at Jodhpur airport, in a move aimed at expanding aviation infrastructure and improving air connectivity across India. The revamped UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year, involves an outlay of nearly Rs 29,000 crore over the next 10 years. It aims to connect more underserved regions and strengthen last-mile air connectivity. Addressing the event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said the scheme would accelerate aviation-led development and transform regional connectivity by expanding infrastructure and making air travel more accessible and affordable.

Read Full Story Launched in 2016, the UDAN scheme has so far operationalised 669 routes and connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, officials said. More than 1.66 crore passengers have benefited from the scheme. Under the modified version, the government plans to develop 100 additional aerodromes with an investment of over Rs 12,000 crore, build 200 helipads, continue viability gap funding to support regional airline operations, and provide assistance for the maintenance of smaller airports. Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of Rs 480 crore.

Spread across more than 23,000 square metres, the terminal has been designed to handle up to 20 lakh passengers a year and around 1,500 passengers during peak hours. It has multiple check-in counters, advanced baggage handling systems and aerobridges to facilitate passenger movement. Officials said the new facility would meet rising air traffic demand in western Rajasthan and support tourism, trade and economic activity in the region. The terminal design draws from Rajasthan's royal architectural heritage, with elements such as arches and jharokhas, while also including modern amenities, energy-efficient systems and water conservation measures.

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol were present at the event. Officials said the launch of the new UDAN phase and the inauguration of the terminal mark another step in expanding regional connectivity and building aviation infrastructure across the country. Ends With inputs from PTI