Modified UDAN Scheme: Latest Official Aviation Snapshot for Competitive Exams

What happened?

On 17 July 2026, PIB published a backgrounder on the Modified UDAN Scheme, outlining the next phase of India’s regional-connectivity policy in civil aviation.

Key facts

• The official note says Modified UDAN was launched on 4 July 2026 and will run from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
• PIB reports a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore for the scheme.
• The backgrounder earmarks Rs 12,159 crore to upgrade unserved airstrips into 100 operational airports.
• It adds that the scheme proposes 200 modern helipads focused on priority regions, with a projected outlay of Rs 3,661 crore.
• The note says operation and maintenance support is planned for around 441 aerodromes, with annual caps of Rs 3.06 crore per airport and Rs 0.90 crore per heliport or water aerodrome.
• PIB says Viability Gap Funding worth Rs 10,043 crore is proposed, with support for airline operators for up to five years.
• Cumulative progress reported up to 15 July 2026 shows 679 regional routes activated across 95 landing facilities (airports, heliports, and water aerodromes), catering to over 1.68 crore passengers.

Why it matters

Modified UDAN is important because exam questions often connect infrastructure policy with inclusive development, regional balance, public funding and last-mile connectivity.

Exam takeaway

Remember the cluster: UDAN, Rs 28,840 crore, 100 airports, 200 helipads, and Viability Gap Funding for regional aviation.

Source metadata

Authority: Press Information Bureau, PIB Backgrounder
Publication date: 17 July 2026
Official source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2285671&lang=1&reg=48

Useful excerpt

Official source highlight: Modified UDAN moves beyond route awards by combining airport development, helipad expansion, maintenance support and viability-gap funding in one framework.