Daijiworld Media Network – Jodhpur

Jodhpur, Jul 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected 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, is set to be extended until 2037, with the Centre earmarking substantial funds to continue providing viability gap funding and subsidies aimed at boosting regional air connectivity while keeping air travel affordable.

The announcement is expected to be made during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to interact with UDAN operators from across the country during the event.

Sources said the extension will provide long-term policy certainty to airlines and airport operators and accelerate the development of regional aviation infrastructure.

Launched in 2016, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was introduced to make air travel affordable by capping airfares on regional routes and providing viability gap funding to airlines operating on underserved and unserved routes.