India, the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, announced on Wednesday that it will invest $3.06 billion under a programme aimed at expanding air connectivity to underserved regions across the country.
The government is banking on the rapid growth of the aviation sector to generate employment and drive economic development. However, the sector continues to face several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and taxation-related issues.
The programme, titled Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), meaning “Let the common citizen of the country fly,” was first launched in 2016.
Under a revised version of the scheme unveiled on Wednesday, India plans to develop 100 additional airports and increase subsidies for airlines operating routes that are otherwise not commercially viable.
According to a government statement, the programme will be implemented over a 10-year period, from the fiscal year 2026–27 to 2035–36, with proposed subsidies amounting to $1.07 billion for airlines.
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also set a target to increase the total number of airports in the country to between 350 and 400 by 2047, up from 163 in 2025.
($1 = 94.1430 Indian rupees)
