New Delhi, September 23, 2026: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has initiated the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 21 States and Union Territories to expand regional air connectivity and strengthen aviation infrastructure across the country.
The agreements mark a fresh phase of Centre–State and Centre–UT collaboration aimed at improving air connectivity in underserved and unserved areas. The initiative is expected to support the development of aerodromes while making regional aviation more accessible.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at The Ashok in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, and was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, Airports Authority of India Chairman Vipin Kumar and senior ministry officials attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Naidu said the agreements represented a collaborative effort between the Centre and States to strengthen India's regional aviation network. He described the States as key partners in the country's broader development agenda and highlighted the importance of coordinated action in expanding aviation infrastructure.
The Minister also outlined the progress made under UDAN since its launch. According to figures cited at the event, the scheme has so far operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes, with more than 3.66 lakh flights carrying approximately 1.71 crore passengers.
Naidu also pointed to the employment impact of the aviation sector. He said aviation-related employment had increased from around 3 million in 2014 to nearly 7.7 million, with the sector having the potential to support around 25 million jobs by 2040.
The Minister cited airports such as Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and Purnea in Bihar as examples of regional aviation infrastructure contributing to improved connectivity and economic activity in areas that previously had limited access to air services.
A key feature of the new phase is the introduction of a Challenge Mode for Aerodrome Development, aimed at encouraging States and other stakeholders to identify and develop viable locations for aviation infrastructure. The approach is intended to broaden participation in the expansion of the regional airport network.
The latest initiative follows the Prime Minister's inauguration of the next phase of UDAN in Jodhpur on July 4, 2026. It also builds on the UDAN Workshop held on July 16, where representatives from the civil aviation ecosystem discussed priorities and implementation strategies for the scheme's next phase.
The signing of 21 MoUs represents another step in the government's effort to deepen regional air connectivity. By bringing State and Union Territory governments into closer collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and aviation agencies, the programme seeks to create the infrastructure needed to connect more cities and regions to India's growing air transport network.
The expansion of regional aviation is also expected to have wider economic implications, including improved mobility, tourism opportunities, access to markets and support for local businesses. The next phase of UDAN therefore places infrastructure development and connectivity at the centre of efforts to expand India's aviation ecosystem.
