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Centre Approves UDAN Scheme 2.0 to Develop 100 Airports and 200 Helipads for Better Regional Connectivity

Newsmantra — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:09:14 +0000

NEW DELHI. The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped UDAN 2.0 scheme with a budget of Rs 28,840 crore to expand regional air connectivity over the next decade. The plan includes developing 100 airports by upgrading existing unserved airstrips and building 200 helipads, especially in remote, hilly, and island regions, to improve emergency and healthcare access. It also supports procurement of indigenous aircraft, such as HAL helicopters and planes, and provides financial aid to airlines for operating in less-connected areas. The scheme aims to make air travel affordable, boost connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and promote “Make in India,” building on the success of the original UDAN launched in 2016.

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Union Civil Aviation Minister Outlines Bold Vision For India’s Aerospace Future At Wings India 2026

Newsmantra — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:40:43 +0000

HYDERABAD. Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri K. Rammohan Naidu shared a clear and ambitious vision for India’s aerospace future at the Wings India 2026 summit held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. Speaking on January 29, he said that India is moving beyond being only a user of aviation services and is now aiming to become a global hub for aircraft design, manufacturing, financing and maintenance. He noted that this shift will help address long-standing gaps in the country’s aviation and aerospace ecosystem.

The Minister explained that a strong aviation sector needs a complete and supportive ecosystem, not isolated efforts. He highlighted India’s young population and growing middle class as key drivers of aviation demand. While domestic aircraft manufacturing faced challenges in the past, he said India has made significant progress in recent years, and the global industry now sees the country as a credible manufacturing destination.

Shri Rammohan Naidu also stressed the government’s focus on regional connectivity. Under the UDAN scheme, nearly 100 airports have become operational, benefiting millions of passengers. A renewed phase of the programme aims to connect 120 destinations and serve about 40 million passengers over the next three years. To support future growth and the entry of new airlines, the government is standardising pilot training through a performance-based ranking system for flying schools to meet the expected demand for around 30,000 pilots.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka echoed these views and said India’s shift from being a buyer to a creator in aerospace is already underway. He highlighted Hyderabad’s strong aerospace ecosystem, noting that beyond incentives, the region offers high productivity and expanding facilities in areas such as aircraft engine maintenance, manufacturing and drone technology. Both leaders emphasised the shared goal of building an Indian aviation industry that serves not only domestic needs but also competes successfully at the global level.

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India’s Aviation Sector Becomes World’s Third-Largest Domestic Market: PM Modi

Newsmantra — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:47:42 +0000

NEW DELHI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India’s aviation sector has witnessed a historic transformation over the past decade, emerging as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Addressing the Wings India 2026 programme in Hyderabad via video conferencing, he said this growth reflects the government’s long-term vision to make air travel affordable and accessible to all, noting a sharp rise in passenger traffic and airline orders of over 1,500 aircraft in recent years.

Highlighting infrastructure and future plans, the Prime Minister said the number of airports has increased from 70 in 2014 to over 160, with more than 100 aerodromes activated, while the UDAN scheme has enabled 1.5 crore passengers to fly on new regional routes. He said India is moving towards self-reliance in aviation through domestic aircraft manufacturing, a strong MRO ecosystem, and sustainable aviation fuel, adding that with reforms in cargo, logistics and connectivity, India is poised to become a major global aviation and trans-shipment hub, with over 400 airports envisioned by 2047.

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