Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said India plans to develop 100 new airports over the next decade under the Modified UDAN scheme, with the government targeting wider connectivity for smaller cities, remote regions and islands.

India will develop 100 new airports over the next 10 years under the Centre's Modified UDAN regional connectivity scheme, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said, outlining an expansion plan aimed at taking air connectivity to more parts of the country.

Naidu said approximately ₹30,000 crore would be spent over the next decade on the airport expansion programme. The announcement was made during the inauguration of India's third hub-and-spoke operation from Ahmedabad airport. 

The Union Cabinet had earlier approved the Modified UDAN scheme for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with a total government-supported outlay of ₹28,840 crore. The scheme provides for the development of 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, along with support for regional airport operations and other aviation infrastructure.

Airport network expands from 74 to 166

Naidu said India's airport network has grown from 74 airports in 2014 to 166 at present, describing the expansion as a major transformation in the country's aviation sector.

He said that over the past 12 years, the country completed work on a new airport or a new terminal roughly every 40 days.

The minister said the next phase of expansion would respond to growing demand for air connectivity beyond major metropolitan centres.

Demand rising in smaller cities

Naidu said demand for airports is increasingly coming from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Himalayan regions, remote areas and islands such as Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

He said the aspiration for air connectivity was no longer limited to major cities and that people increasingly wanted airports closer to where they lived.

The Modified UDAN framework is intended to extend regional air connectivity to underserved and unserved areas. According to the government's scheme details, it also aims to support affordable air travel, tourism, healthcare access and emergency response in remote and difficult-to-reach regions. 

Hub-and-spoke model gets greater focus

Naidu also highlighted the government's hub-and-spoke model, under which passengers from different parts of the country can be connected through major hub airports to domestic and international destinations.

Ahmedabad is the third location where the model has been introduced, following operations from Varanasi and Amritsar, according to the minister. 

The Ahmedabad operation is intended to improve connections between passengers from across the country and international destinations through an Indian aviation hub.

Naidu said that as India's airport network expands, the challenge is not merely constructing airports but ensuring that they are effectively connected both domestically and internationally.

Modified UDAN to support regional aviation

The Modified UDAN scheme covers more than airport construction. Government documents say it includes ₹12,159 crore for developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support, ₹3,661 crore for 200 modern helipads and ₹10,043 crore in viability-gap funding for airline operators. (pib.gov.in)

The scheme is also intended to strengthen India's indigenous aviation capabilities through the use of domestically manufactured aircraft and helicopters in regional operations.

Naidu described civil aviation as one of India's fastest-growing sectors, pointing to its wider contribution to economic activity and employment.

He said expanding aviation infrastructure and connectivity would have an impact well beyond the airports themselves by improving access to markets, services and opportunities

Rewa is set to witness a significant aviation upgrade as authorities move ahead with plans to expand the Rewa Airport runway, enabling operations of larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320. The proposed development includes extending the existing runway from 1,800 metres to 2,300 metres, a move expected to transform regional connectivity in Madhya Pradesh.

According to officials, the expansion process has already begun with land identification and administrative procedures initiated at the state level.

Land Acquisition Process

The expansion will require the acquisition of nearly 140 acres of additional land. District authorities have completed the demarcation process and forwarded the report to Bhopal for further approval.

Officials indicated that the land acquisition process is being prioritised to avoid delays in project execution. The move is part of broader infrastructure development efforts under ongoing Government Updates aimed at strengthening regional airports.

Farmer Compensation Plan

Around 830 Farmers are expected to be affected by the acquisition. The state government has initiated compensation proceedings, with an estimated payout of ₹340 crore.

According to senior officials, compensation will be disbursed as per prevailing land acquisition norms. Sources indicated that authorities are engaging with affected landowners to ensure a smooth transition and minimise disputes.

Runway Upgrade Details

Currently, the runway at Rewa Airport supports only smaller aircraft such as ATR-72. The existing length of 1,800 metres limits the airport’s operational capacity.

With the planned extension to 2,300 metres, the airport will be capable of handling Airbus A320 aircraft, which typically carry 150 to 180 passengers. This upgrade marks a critical step toward integrating Rewa into the broader national aviation network.

Direct Flight Prospects

Once the runway expansion is completed, direct flights from Rewa to major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru are likely to be introduced.

Officials stated that improved infrastructure will make the airport more viable for commercial airlines, increasing the chances of new route allocations under regional connectivity schemes.

Regional Economic Impact

The expansion is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Vindhya region. Improved air connectivity is likely to boost trade, tourism and investment opportunities.

Industry stakeholders believe that direct connectivity to major cities will reduce travel time, enhance business mobility and attract new investments. Tourism potential in and around Rewa could also see an uptick as accessibility improves.

Experts note that such infrastructure upgrades often act as catalysts for regional economic growth, aligning with national aviation expansion goals.

Future Development Plans

Authorities aim to position Rewa as a regional aviation hub in the coming years. The current runway expansion is seen as the first phase of a larger development roadmap.

Further enhancements in passenger facilities, cargo handling and airline operations may follow, depending on traffic demand. Officials confirmed that timelines will depend on the pace of land acquisition and funding approvals.

As per reports, the Rewa Airport expansion is being closely monitored at the state level, highlighting its importance as a Public Interest Story within broader National and International News coverage.

What Lies Ahead

The success of the project will depend on timely land acquisition, compensation disbursement and execution of construction work. If completed as planned, the Rewa Airport expansion could significantly alter the aviation landscape of eastern Madhya Pradesh.

After a gap of nearly five years, night flight operations between Bilaspur and Delhi are set to resume from May 3. The service will operate from Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport in Chhattisgarh, offering direct connectivity to the national capital during evening hours.

Weekly Schedule Fixed

According to the summer schedule, Alliance Air will operate the flight once a week, every Sunday. The aircraft will depart from Bilaspur at 6:45 pm and is expected to reach Delhi in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Officials said the incoming flight will arrive in Bilaspur at 6:20 pm before departing for Delhi shortly after.

Airport Upgrade Milestone

The development follows a key infrastructure upgrade at Bilaspur airport. On February 6, 2026, the airport received night landing clearance after being upgraded from 3C-VFR to 3C-IFR category by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This transition allows aircraft to operate under instrument flight rules, making night operations possible. Efforts to secure this upgrade had been ongoing since 2022.

Operations Background

Commercial flight services at Bilaspur airport began on March 1, 2021, when Alliance Air first landed at the facility. However, operations were limited to daylight hours due to the absence of night landing capabilities.

With the new clearance in place, the airport enters a new operational phase, aligning with broader efforts to improve regional air connectivity under national aviation policies.

Benefit for Travellers

The evening flight is expected to provide significant relief to passengers, particularly business travellers and government officials. The timing allows individuals to complete their work during the day and travel comfortably in the evening.

Officials indicated that cooler temperatures during evening hours will also help aircraft operate at full capacity. This reduces payload restrictions often faced during daytime heat, allowing more passengers to travel.

Demand for Expansion

Local aviation advocacy groups have welcomed the move but are pushing for further expansion. Representatives from the Air Services Public Struggle Committee have reiterated the demand for increasing flight frequency.

They have urged authorities to introduce an additional mid-week service, particularly on Wednesdays, to improve accessibility and flexibility for passengers.

Runway Limitation Issue

Despite the progress, infrastructure constraints remain a concern. Compared to Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, which have longer runways, Bilaspur’s runway is still relatively short.

Experts suggest that extending the runway to 1,800 metres would allow larger aircraft such as Bombardier Q400 and Embraer jets to operate from the airport, further enhancing connectivity.

Future Outlook Ahead

The launch of the Bilaspur–Delhi night flight marks a significant step in strengthening air connectivity in central India. It is expected to support economic activity, improve administrative mobility, and increase passenger convenience.

As per reports, authorities are monitoring passenger response and operational feasibility. If demand sustains, there is a possibility of increasing flight frequency and expanding routes in the future.

MP Govt Launches Bhopal-Orchha Helicopter Service; Fares Set at ₹6500

CM Mohan Yadav flags off PM Shri Tourism flights to two heritage towns.

In a significant push to religious and heritage tourism, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will flag off the new PM Shri Helicopter Tourism Service from Bhopal to Orchha and Chanderi on Sunday.

The service aims to provide seamless air connectivity to the two historic towns. Officials confirmed that the launch will take place at the State Hangar in the capital.

Fares and Package Details

Passengers will need to pay ₹6,500 for a one-way trip from Bhopal to Orchha. The ticket for Chanderi has been fixed at ₹5,500.

For those seeking a premium experience, a special end-to-end package is available at ₹14,500. This includes taxi transfers, VIP darshan, and prasad. A ‘Joy Ride’ facility is also on offer for tourists at both destinations for ₹3,500.

Modern Fleet and Schedule

The government will deploy modern, six-seater helicopters for this route. Safety protocols under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model have been prioritized.

The service will operate five days a week. Officials confirmed flights will run on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

How to Book Tickets

Tourists can book their seats through two primary digital platforms. Booking is available on the official website www.flyola.in. The IRCTC portal will also facilitate ticket sales for the service.

Focus on Religious Circuit

Orchha, known as the kingdom of Raja Ram, houses the famous Shri Ram Raja Temple. The new service is expected to reduce travel time significantly for devotees.

Sources indicated that the government aims to ease access to the Bundelkhand region. Chanderi, famous for its historical fort and handloom sarees, will also see a tourism boost.

Previous Launch and Expansion

This is the second phase of the PM Shri Helicopter Tourism initiative. The Chief Minister had first launched the service on Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, November 1.

Currently, the service operates spiritual sectors like Indore-Ujjain-Omkareshwar. It also runs wildlife sectors connecting Jabalpur, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Chitrakoot, and Maihar.

Positive Response So Far

Official data shows that over 2,648 tourists and pilgrims have already used the service. A government spokesperson said the response indicates a strong demand for quick connectivity to religious sites.

The Chief Minister will hand out boarding passes to the first set of passengers after the flag-off. Officials added that hotel stays, meals, and local guides will be pre-arranged at the destinations to ensure a hassle-free experience. This India News Update marks a major step for regional air connectivity in the state.