India targets UDAN state MoUs in weeks, backing 10-year regional air-connectivity push

The government aims to complete UDAN MoUs with states within two to three weeks, alongside nearly ₹30,000 crore planned over a decade. Faster airport builds and expanded regional routes could lift passenger flows and support retail, food and services infrastructure at smaller airports.

— Source publishedTue, 22 Sept, 2026, 15:38 IST·First seen Tue, 22 Sept, 2026, 15:48 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

India plans to complete state MoUs for the next UDAN phase within weeks, extending regional air connectivity for 10 years with nearly ₹30,000 crore in planned

Key facts

  • 21 states have signed MoUs
  • West Bengal signing scheduled for the 28th
  • All MoUs targeted within 2-3 weeks
  • UDAN extended for 10 years
  • Up to ₹60,000 crore projected economic impact
  • Over 90 airports operationalised in the previous decade
  • Approximately 1.54 crore passengers served
  • Airport construction target reduced from 3 years to 18 months
  • Nearly ₹30,000 crore planned government deployment over 10 years
  • At least five domestic carriers targeted with fleets of 100 aircraft each
  • More than 350 operational airports envisioned by Viksit Bharat 2047
  • ₹150 crore ECLGS support disbursed to SpiceJet

Why this matters

UDAN’s accelerated state agreements could open partnership, concession and acquisition opportunities across airport retail, travel services and last-mile infrastructure in emerging regional hubs.