New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the launch of a modified UDAN scheme aimed at enhancing regional connectivity by adding 120 new destinations and facilitating four crore additional passengers over the next decade.
Presenting the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament, Sitharaman said the scheme would also support the development of helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and northeastern regional districts.
"Inspired by the success, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeast regional districts," she said.
The Finance Minister further announced the development of greenfield airports in Bihar to meet the state’s future aviation needs. "These will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and the Brownfield airport in Bihta," she added.
Additionally, Sitharaman assured financial support for the Western Kosi Canal Extension, Renovation and Modernisation (ERM) project in Mithilanchal, stating that it would benefit a large number of farmers in the region.
Her announcement on Bihar’s infrastructure push led to Opposition sloganeering in Parliament, with leaders questioning the allocation of funds for the projects.