Centre Extends UDAN by 10 Years, Boosts NE Aviation Growth

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Itanagar
• Sep 06, 2025
• 525

In a landmark announcement, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Thursday declared a 10-year extension of the UDAN scheme in a new, strengthened form — promising to transform air connectivity across India’s Northeast.

Opening the North East Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation-cum-3rd North East Aviation Summit, Naidu revealed that the Centre’s investment in the region has soared by 153% since 2014–15, with over ₹1.45 lakh crore poured into infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti masterplan.

Calling connectivity the “lifeline” for unlocking the Northeast’s potential, he said the government is preparing to build heliports in every district of the eight northeastern states, ensuring no region remains isolated.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, whose state is hosting the prestigious summit for the first time, hailed the Modi government’s commitment, saying the region has witnessed “unprecedented growth in 11 years.” He further announced that two new airports would soon come up in Arunachal, urging the Centre to continue its technical backing.

The summit, jointly organised by the Civil Aviation Ministry and FICCI with Arunachal’s support, has drawn civil aviation ministers, top policymakers, and industry leaders. Discussions will focus on expanding airports, boosting small aircraft and helicopter services, and exploring futuristic sectors like drones, seaplanes, and maintenance hubs.

With the extended UDAN scheme and massive central investment, experts say the Northeast is poised to emerge as a gateway of aviation-led growth, connecting remote frontiers to the rest of India and beyond.