The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, has approved an upgraded UDAN scheme aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity across India.
Under the plan, 100 new airports and 200 helipads will be created nationwide. Priority will be given to hill regions, the North Eastern states, island areas and other backward regions. The government has earmarked ₹28,840 crore for the programme.
To support airline operations, the Centre will provide financial assistance covering around 80% to 90% of losses, with this support to be reduced gradually over five years. Budget allocations include ₹12,000 crore for airport construction and ₹3,600 crore for helipads, with implementation planned for 10 years from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
The Cabinet also approved a five-year extension of the IVFRDT project—focused on monitoring foreign arrivals, visa and immigration processes—at a cost of ₹1,800 crore, from April 1 to March 31, 2031.
The project aims to integrate visa issuance and foreigner arrival records using modern technology, including mobile-based services, automated kiosks and e-gates. Automated e-gates are currently operational at 13 major airports, reducing immigration checks from about three minutes to around 30 seconds, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, adding that the modernisation will strengthen national security and ensure seamless services for passengers.
