New Jodhpur, Rajasthan — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jodhpur on Tuesday to commission a new terminal at Jodhpur Airport and to launch a revised version of the government’s regional connectivity programme, UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik). The ceremony was attended by Governor Haribhau Bagade, Union Minister and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
The new terminal, built at an estimated cost of ₹ 1,200 crore, adds 5,000 sq m of passenger‑handling space, two additional aerobridges and modern security facilities. Officials said the expansion will increase the airport’s capacity from 1.5 million to 2.5 million passengers annually, supporting projected traffic growth in western Rajasthan.
During the event, Modi announced a “modified UDAN” scheme aimed at boosting air links to tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities. The revised plan reportedly includes higher subsidies for airlines operating on routes with low passenger yields, a streamlined approval process for new air‑strips, and a focus on cargo connectivity. The government said the changes are intended to address “the lagging performance of the original scheme” and to stimulate regional economies.
Union Minister Shekhawat highlighted that the Jodhpur terminal will serve as a model for other regional airports under the scheme, noting that the project was completed in “record time” through a public‑private partnership with the Airports Authority of India and private investors. He also announced the allocation of an additional ₹ 500 crore for upgrading runway infrastructure at three other Rajasthan airports.
Chief Minister Sharma praised the development as a “milestone for Rajasthan’s tourism and trade,” emphasizing that improved air connectivity will facilitate pilgrimages to nearby heritage sites and bolster the state’s emerging aerospace industry.
Analysis: The upgraded terminal and the modified UDAN framework signal the central government’s renewed focus on regional air connectivity ahead of the 2027 general election cycle. By offering higher subsidies and simplifying clearances, the administration aims to make previously unviable routes financially attractive to carriers, potentially expanding the market share of low‑cost airlines. However, critics have warned that increased subsidies could strain the fiscal budget if not matched by sustainable passenger demand. The partnership model used for Jodhpur’s terminal may also set a precedent for future airport projects, shifting some financial risk to private players while retaining government oversight.
Sources
– The Hindu, “PM Modi inaugurates new Jodhpur airport terminal, launches modified UDAN scheme,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan/pm-modi-inaugurates-new-jodhpur-airport-terminal-launches-modified-udan-scheme/article71181992.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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