PM Modi unveils Jodhpur Airport Terminal, launches UDAN scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport and formally launched the Modified UDAN Scheme, a Rs28,840-crore initiative aimed at expanding regional air connectivity and strengthening India's aviation infrastructure over the next decade.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Terminal Building of Jodhpur Airport and launch the Modified UDAN scheme in Jodhpur. Subsequently, at around 12:15 PM, he will travel to Balotra to dedicate, inaugurate, and lay the foundation stone for development projects… pic.twitter.com/QHhenNP0r3

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2026

The Prime Minister unveiled the upgraded airport terminal before departing for Gujarat to attend semiconductor-related engagements. State leaders said the projects would enhance connectivity, create employment opportunities and accelerate infrastructure-led development in Rajasthan.According to agency reports,the Modified UDAN Scheme, approved by the Centre in March this year, will be implemented from FY2026-27 to FY2035-36 as part of the government's vision of "Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik".
According to the government, the revamped scheme seeks to accelerate the next phase of aviation-led growth through investments in airport infrastructure, regional connectivity and operational support.The scheme has an outlay of Rs28,840 crore over 10 years, including about Rs12,000 crore for developing 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips, Rs2,500 crore for operation and maintenance support, and around RS10,000 crore towards Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for airline operators.The government also plans to develop 200 modern helipads to improve connectivity in remote and difficult terrains. In addition, the scheme proposes the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft, to strengthen operations in underserved regions.
The original UDAN scheme, launched in October 2016, was aimed at making air travel affordable while improving connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The modified version builds on that objective by expanding aviation infrastructure and ensuring the operational sustainability of regional airports.Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed at a cost of Rs480 crore. Spread across more than 23,000 square metres, the modern terminal has the capacity to handle up to 20 lakh passengers annually and is equipped with upgraded passenger amenities designed to provide a seamless travel experience.According to the government the twin initiatives are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve access to underserved areas and support economic development through enhanced aviation infrastructure across the country.