Budget 2025: FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces modified UDAN scheme to 120 new destinations

The Union Budget 2025 has made arrangements for a modified UDAN Scheme, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget presentation on Saturday.

UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class people to meet their aspiration for speedier travel. The scheme has connected 88 ports, and airports and operationalised 619 routes. Inspired by that success, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. 

The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly aspirational and North-East regional districts.

Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the state. This will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport, said the Finance Minister.

Martime Development Fund: A maritime development fund with a corpus fund of Rs 25000 crore will be set up. This will be for distributed support and promoting competition. This will have up to 49% contribution by the government and the balance will be mobilized from ports and private sectors, said the FM.

FM on Modified UDAAN:

• The scheme will offer more air travel options, reducing travel time and boosting tourism, business, and jobs. 
• The modification will provide reliable, cost-effective air travel, helping citizens achieve personal and professional goals. 
• Improved transport links will provide better access to healthcare, education, and markets in neglected areas.  
• Udaan scheme modification aims to foster equitable growth across the nation with better infrastructure.