Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has launched the Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development as part of the next phase of the UDAN scheme, aimed at expanding air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation signed 21 MoUs with States and Union Territories, along with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), to establish a coordinated framework for identifying, developing and operationalising aviation infrastructure.
Under the new Challenge Mode framework, States and UTs can nominate airstrips and helipads for development through a dedicated portal, allowing infrastructure projects to be identified based on local connectivity requirements.
The ministry also released the scheme document for the next UDAN route-bidding round, under which airlines will bid for identified routes through a transparent and competitive process.
Since its launch, UDAN has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes, with more than 3.66 lakh flights carrying around 1.71 crore passengers. The modified scheme aims to add 120 new destinations and 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years.
The next phase focuses on Centre-State/UT cooperation, development of aviation infrastructure, expansion of regional connectivity and promotion of indigenous manufacturing.