Modified UDAN Outlay Capsule – Regional Connectivity – 29 September 2026

What happened

Policy briefings linked to the maritime/tourism package note that the Modified UDAN scheme for 2026–27 to 2035–36 carries an approved outlay of about ₹28,840 crore, with plans referencing 100 airports and 200 modern helipads. Cumulatively, hundreds of RCS-UDAN routes (reports cite 687 routes connecting 95 airports) have been operationalised under the broader UDAN journey since 2016.

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is the Regional Connectivity Scheme under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, using Viability Gap Funding to make flying affordable on underserved routes.

Prelims hooks

• Nodal: Ministry of Civil Aviation; implementing support via AAI / RCS cell
• Helicopter and seaplane versions expand last-mile connectivity
• Distinguish UDAN from NABH Nirman airport capacity programme

Practice MCQs

1. UDAN stands for:

   (A) Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik
   (B) Urban Development and Aviation Network
   (C) Universal Domestic Air Navigation
   (D) Uttaranchal Daily Air Network

   Answer: (A) – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.

2. UDAN was launched under which policy year framework?

   (A) 1991 Industrial Policy only
   (B) National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
   (C) New Education Policy 2020 only
   (D) Fiscal Responsibility Act 2003

   Answer: (B) – NCAP 2016.

3. The Modified UDAN outlay cited for 2026–27 to 2035–36 is about:

   (A) ₹2,884 crore
   (B) ₹28,840 crore
   (C) ₹2.88 lakh crore
   (D) ₹288 crore

   Answer: (B) – About ₹28,840 crore.

Source: PIB-linked UDAN / aviation briefings summarised September 2026.