Cabinet approves modified UDAN with Rs 28,840 crore outlay

The Union Cabinet approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN for a period of ten years from 2026-27 to 2035-36 with a total outlay of 28,840 crore rupees.

Briefing the media on Cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said 100 airports will be developed from unserved airstrips to boost regional connectivity.

This will give a boost to economic growth, trade and tourism in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and support affordable air travel for common citizens.

Vaishnaw informed that the Cabinet also approved a five-year extension of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking scheme from 1st April 2026 till March 2031, with an outlay of 1,800 crore rupees. The IVFRT platform seeks to interlink and optimise functions related to immigration, visa issuance and registration of foreigners in India.

The core objective of the IVFRT is to modernise and upgrade immigration and visa services within a secure and integrated service delivery framework. It aims to facilitate legitimate travellers while strengthening national security.

Cabinet has also approved India’s Nationally Determined Contribution for the period 2031 to 2035, enhancing the country’s ambition under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and climate justice.

India has committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 47 percent by 2035 from 2005 level.

The country has achieved 52.57 percent non-fossil capacity as on February 2026, successfully meeting the target five years ahead of the timeline.