Page 41 - Construction_Opportunities_March_2026

TICKER TAPE
CABINET APPROVES REVISED UDAN SCHEME WITH
`28,840 CRORE OUTLAY TO BOOST REGIONAL AIR
CONNECTIVITY.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved a INFRASTRUCTURE
revamped version of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme
with a total outlay of `28,840 crore, aimed at strengthening
regional air connectivity and expanding aviation infrastructure
in underserved areas.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined key changes during a
Cabinet briefing, highlighting enhanced financial support and
a sharper focus on remote and low-traffic regions.

Infrastructure expansion
Under the revised scheme, the government plans to develop
100 new airports using a challenge-based approach, with
an average cost of `100 crore per airport and `12,159 crore
allocated for this component.
Additionally, 200 modern helipads will be built, particularly in hilly
regions, the North-East, island territories, and aspirational districts
where conventional airports are difficult to construct.
Helicopter services are expected to improve last-mile
connectivity in such areas, with `3,661 crore earmarked for the
initiative.
The scheme also supports the acquisition of domestically
manufactured aircraft, with `400 crore allocated for this purpose.

Financial support for airlines and operations MAHA METRO, PUNE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION CONDUCT
The modified UDAN introduces enhanced viability gap funding INSPECTION AHEAD OF METRO LINE EXTENSION.
(VGF), providing 80–90% support to airlines operating on regional Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Maha Metro have started
routes. This support will taper over five years, with a total allocation joint inspections along the proposed Vanaz–Chandni Chowk
of `10,043 crore. Metro extension to review the alignment of the viaduct, station
A new operational and maintenance (O&M) component has locations, entry-exit points, and the design of a proposed double-
been included to help smaller airports and helipads sustain decker flyover at Kothrud depot.
themselves despite limited commercial activity, with `2,577 crore Officials from PMC said additional inspections are likely in the
earmarked for a three-year O&M window. coming days. The exercise aims to clarify project execution and
Each RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) airport will receive up minimize disruptions during construction. Maha Metro has already
to `3 crore annually, while helipads will get `90 lakh per year. begun the process of appointing an agency to carry out the work.
“Small airports have limited commercial activity, which makes The 1.4 km extension will include two stations—Kothrud depot and
it difficult to generate sufficient revenue to meet operational Chandni Chowk—providing direct connectivity to Chandni Chowk,
and maintenance costs. This is why O&M support has now been a key entry point to the city. PMC has requested that sufficient
incorporated into the scheme,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the space be maintained for footpaths and road carriageways,
move would help sustain regional connectivity and “democratise considering the heavy traffic along the route. Authorities have
transportation in India.” also sought details on barricade placements at critical points
during construction.
Connectivity and economic impact A civic official said, “We have asked Maha Metro to clearly mark
The government expects the revised scheme to connect 120 new station entry and exit points and provide a probable timeline for
destinations and enable air travel for around 4 crore additional the work.”
passengers. The proposed double-decker flyover at Kothrud depot, intended
Expansion is projected to boost aviation infrastructure in remote for vehicular traffic, will be constructed simultaneously with the
and hilly areas, support tourism, create jobs, promote regional Metro viaduct by Maha Metro to ease congestion along the busy
economic development, and improve access to emergency stretch. Meanwhile, a pedestrian overbridge at Chandni Chowk
services including disaster response and medical evacuation. Metro station is planned to connect commuters to the Katraj–Dehu
Since its launch, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 663 Road bypass, improving accessibility.
routes and 95 aerodromes, with 10 airline operators participating. Local residents have urged authorities to ensure convenient
Approximately 1.62 crore passengers have travelled under the access to both the Metro station and the bypass. “We expect a
scheme, with over 3.41 lakh flights completed, reflecting steady bridge that will provide easy access to commuters on both sides
growth in regional air connectivity across the country. of the Katraj–Dehu Road bypass,” said a resident.

MARCH 2026|CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES 41