CG, Raipur (Economy India): Chhattisgarh is set to receive a fresh push to regional air connectivity with the state joining the next phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) through an agreement with the Centre.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the development as an important step towards building a developed Chhattisgarh, saying improved aviation infrastructure will help reduce geographical distances and accelerate economic activity across the state.
The agreement between the Centre and Chhattisgarh was signed in New Delhi, with Chhattisgarh Aviation Secretary Mukesh Bansal representing the state.
The agreement is part of the next phase of Modified UDAN, under which the Ministry of Civil Aviation is working with states and Union Territories to identify locations for new aviation infrastructure and expand regional air services. The Centre signed MoUs with 21 states and UTs on September 22 as it launched the Challenge Mode for aerodrome development and a new route-bidding round.
Focus on Smaller Cities and Remote Areas
CM Sai said the state’s objective is to ensure that improved air connectivity reaches not only major cities but also smaller towns and remote areas.
According to the Chief Minister, the agreement will strengthen the prospects for developing new air connections, upgrading airstrips and expanding helicopter connectivity in areas that remain geographically difficult to access.
Better aviation infrastructure can make travel easier for residents while also improving access to markets, tourism destinations and investment opportunities.
Tourism, Trade and Investment to Get a Push
The expansion of air connectivity is expected to create opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and employment in Chhattisgarh.
The state has a diverse range of natural, religious and cultural tourism destinations. Improved connectivity can make these locations more accessible to visitors from other parts of India while supporting local businesses and tourism-linked employment.
Better air links can also help businesses move more efficiently between Chhattisgarh and major commercial centres, potentially improving access to investors, customers and markets.
The next phase of UDAN has been designed to expand regional connectivity and strengthen the aviation ecosystem, with the Centre specifically highlighting economic activity, tourism, trade and employment as expected benefits.
Helicopter Connectivity for Remote Regions
The Modified UDAN scheme also places emphasis on helicopter connectivity.
For a state such as Chhattisgarh, where several areas are geographically remote, improved heli-connectivity could have applications beyond regular passenger travel.
The state government has highlighted the potential role of helicopter services in emergency medical assistance, disaster management and relief operations.
The national Modified UDAN framework provides for the development of 200 modern helipads in hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions. The Centre has earmarked around Rs 3,661 crore for this component over the scheme period.
Modified UDAN Gets Rs 28,840 Crore Outlay
The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme in March 2026 for a period of 10 years from FY2026-27 to FY2035-36, with a total government-supported outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
The scheme aims to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips and establish 200 modern helipads to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
The Centre has allocated around Rs 12,159 crore for development of the 100 airports.
Another Rs 2,577 crore has been earmarked for operation and maintenance support for around 441 aerodromes, while Rs 10,043 crore is proposed as viability gap funding for airlines operating regional routes.
Challenge Mode to Identify New Aviation Assets
The next phase introduces a Challenge Mode under which state governments and UT administrations can nominate airstrips and helipads for development.
Projects will be assessed on factors including infrastructure readiness, proximity to tourist destinations and industrial corridors, land availability and the financial support or incentives offered by state governments.
The new mechanism is intended to provide a more structured way of identifying aviation infrastructure requirements based on local conditions.
New Route Bidding Process
Alongside infrastructure development, the Centre has also launched a new bidding process for UDAN routes.
Airlines will be invited to bid for identified routes, with the objective of selecting operators through a transparent and competitive process.
The government expects the route-bidding mechanism to help expand services to underserved and unserved regions while improving the sustainability of regional air operations.
Focus on Indigenous Aviation Capacity
Modified UDAN also includes an Atmanirbhar Bharat aircraft acquisition component.
The scheme proposes procurement of two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air, aimed at addressing the shortage of smaller aircraft and helicopters needed for operations in remote and difficult terrain.
This component is intended to support regional connectivity while strengthening India’s domestic aviation manufacturing ecosystem.
CM Sai Thanks Centre
CM Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for the initiative.
He said coordinated efforts between the Centre and state government would help Chhattisgarh become more closely integrated with India’s expanding aviation network.
The Chief Minister said improved connectivity would not only facilitate passenger movement but could also support the state’s wider economic development by opening new avenues in tourism, commerce, investment and employment.
Modified UDAN
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Period | FY2026-27 to FY2035-36 |
| Total Outlay | Rs 28,840 crore |
| Airports Proposed | 100 |
| Modern Helipads Proposed | 200 |
| Airport Development Allocation | Rs 12,159 crore |
| Helipad Development Allocation | Rs 3,661 crore |
| Aerodrome O&M Support | Rs 2,577 crore |
| Airline VGF | Rs 10,043 crore |
| Chhattisgarh | Included in next-phase state MoU framework |
A Wider Aviation Push for Chhattisgarh
The new agreement comes at a time when the Centre is seeking to expand the reach of regional aviation beyond established airports and major cities.
For Chhattisgarh, the focus on smaller airstrips and helicopter infrastructure could provide an additional connectivity channel for remote areas while supporting tourism, business activity and emergency services.
The next phase will now move towards identifying eligible locations, developing aviation infrastructure and awarding routes through the new bidding mechanism.
With the Centre and Chhattisgarh working together under Modified UDAN, the state’s aviation network is set to become an important component of its broader connectivity and economic-development plans.
(Economy India)
