Budget 2025: FM Sitharaman introduces modified UDAN scheme to expand regional connectivity

In her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a Modified UDAN scheme aimed at improving regional connectivity.

The initiative will add 120 new destinations and accommodate 4 crore additional passengers over the next decade. The scheme will prioritize the development of helipads and smaller airports in remote, hilly, aspirational, and northeastern districts, boosting accessibility in these areas.

#WATCH | FM says, "....Inspired by the success, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly,… pic.twitter.com/S4UTo7FnCs

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025

Sitharaman said, "Modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years."

Focusing on Bihar's growing aviation needs, she also announced that greenfield airports would be developed to supplement the existing capacity of Patna airport. The plan includes the creation of a brownfield airport in Bihta.

"The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeast regional districts. Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the state. These will be in addition to the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport in Bihta," she stated.

In addition to infrastructure development, Sitharaman also committed financial support for the Western Kosi Canal Extension, Renovation, and Modernization (ERM) project in Mithalanchal, Bihar. This initiative will improve irrigation support for over 50,000 hectares of farmland, benefiting thousands of farmers in the region.

She emphasized, "Financial support will be provided for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, benefitting a large number of farmers cultivating over 50000 hectares of land in the Mithalanchal region of Bihar."

With these measures, the 2025-26 Union Budget underscores the government's dedication to regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and rural prosperity, driving inclusive growth across India.