MoCA Launches Next Phase of UDAN, Signs MoUs with 22 States and UTs

23 September 2026National

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) launched the next phase of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme by signing 22 Memoranda of Understanding with States and Union Territories at The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the event alongside MoS Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar. MoCA also launched a Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development, letting States nominate airstrips and helipads for upgradation, and released the scheme document for the next round of UDAN route bidding, under which airlines will competitively bid for identified regional routes to boost connectivity, tourism, trade and employment.

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UDAN launched in 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 | Airports Authority of India (AAI) established 1995, HQ New Delhi | UDAN is implemented under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)

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