New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) have signed 21 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with States and Union Territories as part of the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, aimed at expanding regional air connectivity across the country.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu at an event held at The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The initiative seeks to strengthen Centre–State/UT cooperation and improve air connectivity to unserved and underserved regions.
21 States and UTs Join Next Phase of UDAN
The 21 MoUs establish a structured framework for coordinated action between the Central Government, participating States and UTs, and AAI, which is the implementing agency under the UDAN Scheme.
The agreements will support:
- Identification of potential aviation assets and routes
- Development and upgradation of airports, airstrips and other aviation infrastructure
- Operationalisation of aviation facilities
- Expansion of connectivity to underserved and unserved regions
- Alignment of aviation development with the priorities of States and UTs
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that regional connectivity develops in line with local requirements and economic opportunities.
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Challenge Mode Portal Launched for Aerodrome Development
During the event, the Ministry launched the Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development, which will allow State Governments and UT Administrations to nominate suitable airstrips and helipads for development under the next phase of UDAN.
Under the Challenge Mode framework, States and UTs will be able to proactively identify locations that have potential for improved aviation connectivity.
Next UDAN Route Bidding Round Announced
The government also released the Scheme Document for the next phase of UDAN Route Bidding, paving the way for the upcoming bidding process.
Under the route bidding mechanism:
- Identified UDAN routes will be offered for bidding.
- Airlines will be invited to participate in the bidding process.
- Routes and operators will be selected through a transparent and competitive framework.
- The process will focus on expanding air services to unserved and underserved regions.
Improved connectivity is expected to support mobility, tourism, trade, employment and wider economic activity in the regions covered under the scheme.
UDAN Has Operationalised 687 Routes and 95 Aerodromes
Speaking at the event, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the progress made under UDAN since its launch.
According to the figures shared at the event, the scheme has so far:
- Operationalised 687 routes
- Connected 95 aerodromes
- Facilitated more than 3.66 lakh flights
- Carried around 1.71 crore passengers
The Minister also highlighted the role of airports such as Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and Purnea in Bihar, which he said are contributing to regional economic activity after gaining air connectivity.
Modified UDAN Focuses on Four Key Pillars
The next phase of UDAN builds on the inauguration held at Jodhpur on July 4, 2026, and the UDAN Workshop held on July 16, 2026, where civil aviation stakeholders discussed the roadmap for the scheme’s next phase.
The modified UDAN framework is based on four key pillars:
- Affordability for passengers
- Sustainability of operations
- Transparent Challenge Mode for aviation infrastructure projects
- Promotion of indigenous manufacturing
The government has also set a target of adding 120 new destinations and 4 crore more passengers over the next ten years, as stated by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol at the event.
Government Highlights Role of Aviation in Regional Development
Addressing the gathering, Minister Naidu congratulated the participating States and UTs on signing the MoUs and emphasised the role of aviation in strengthening local economies.
He highlighted the vision of “Viksit Rajya through Viksit Bharat”, with States and the Centre working together to expand regional connectivity. The Minister also underlined the importance of Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Aero Sports as part of the broader development of India’s aviation ecosystem.
Centre, States and AAI to Work Together
The 21 MoUs are intended to strengthen cooperation among the Centre, States and UTs and AAI for the development of aviation infrastructure.
The framework will enable participating States and UTs to identify infrastructure and connectivity requirements, while AAI will support implementation as the designated agency under the UDAN Scheme.The combined approach is aimed at creating new connectivity opportunities and strengthening aviation infrastructure in regions that remain underserved or unserved.
Senior Officials Attend MoU Signing Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by senior officials and representatives from the civil aviation sector and participating State Governments.
Those present included:
- Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
- Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation
- Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and State Governments
The event also included a dedicated session on the next phase of UDAN, covering the Challenge Mode for aerodrome development and the upcoming route bidding process.
About Airports Authority of India
Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. It is responsible for managing and developing airport infrastructure and air navigation services across India and serves as the implementing agency for the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
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