In the Budget 2025 announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a modified version of the UDAN scheme, aimed at expanding regional connectivity across India.
The enhanced scheme will target 120 new destinations and is expected to carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years, further enhancing accessibility for the middle class and remote regions.
#UnionBudget2025
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Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman @nsitharaman, in her Union Budget 2025 speech, announced a modified UDAN scheme to further enhance regional connectivity across India. She said, "A modified Udaan scheme will be launched to enhance regional… pic.twitter.com/GT3ZKliaYJ
The current UDAN scheme has already connected 88 airports and operationalised 619 routes, benefiting around 1.5 crore people who have been able to travel faster and more affordably.
The modified scheme will focus on increasing the reach to underserved areas, including hilly, aspirational, and North East regions, by supporting helipads and smaller airports.
Watch: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the NDA government's second full #UnionBudget2025 of its third term, and her eighth consecutive one
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She says, "Udaan has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class citizens to fulfill their aspirations for faster travel, connecting… pic.twitter.com/01Jc4BYu7V
In addition to expanding connectivity, the government will focus on upgrading infrastructure for air cargo, including improving warehousing for perishable goods and streamlining cargo screening and customs processes.
These efforts aim to further boost both passenger travel and cargo operations under the UDAN framework.
In a move to boost infrastructure in Bihar, the Union Finance Minister announced plans to develop new Greenfield airports in the state to meet future needs.
This will be in addition to expanding the capacity of Patna airport and creating a new airport at Bihta.