PM Modi to announce 10-year extension of UDAN scheme in major aviation push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce a 10-year extension of the Centre's flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN, during his visit to Jodhpur on Saturday.

According to sources, the scheme, launched in 2016, will be extended until 2037, with the Centre earmarking significant funds to continue providing subsidies aimed at boosting regional air connectivity and keeping air travel affordable.

The announcement will be made during the inauguration of the new terminal building at the Jodhpur airport, where the Prime Minister is also scheduled to interact with UDAN operators from across the country.

The extension is expected to provide long-term policy certainty to airlines and airport operators while accelerating the development of regional aviation infrastructure.

Launched in 2016, the UDAN scheme was designed to make flying affordable by capping airfares on regional routes and offering viability gap funding to airlines.

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