The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the launch of the revamped Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN for a 10-year period from FY27 to FY36, with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore. 

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the scheme aims to significantly expand regional air connectivity by developing 100 new airports from currently unserved airstrips. 

The modified UDAN scheme seeks to enhance air connectivity in underserved and remote regions, particularly Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The government expects the initiative to boost economic growth, trade, and tourism while making air travel more affordable for the common citizen, Vaishaw said. 

The scheme also aims to improve emergency response and healthcare access in remote and hilly areas, while enhancing the viability of regional airports and airline operators. It is aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

Centre earmarked ₹12,159 crore for airport development 

Under the scheme, ₹12,159 crore has been allocated over the next eight years for the development of 100 airports from existing airstrips. 

To support operations, the government will provide maintenance assistance for three years to regional airports, capped at ₹3.06 crore per annum per airport and ₹0.90 crore for heliports and water aerodromes, with a total estimated outlay of ₹2,577 crore. 

200 helipads, viability gap funding for airlines 

To improve last-mile connectivity in difficult terrains, the scheme proposes the development of 200 modern helipads at an estimated cost of ₹3,661 crore. 

Additionally, ₹10,043 crore has been earmarked as viability gap funding (VGF) over 10 years to support airline operators on regional routes, enabling sustained operations and market development. 

The plan also includes procurement of indigenous aircraft, two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air, to strengthen operations in remote areas and promote domestic aerospace manufacturing. 

IVFRT scheme extended till 2031 for ₹1,800 crore 

In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) scheme for another five years, from April 2026 to March 2031, with an outlay of ₹1,800 crore. 

The IVFRT platform integrates immigration, visa issuance, and foreigner registration processes, aiming to modernise service delivery while strengthening national security. 

Push for tech-driven immigration, faster clearances 

The upgraded IVFRT system will focus on adopting emerging technologies, including mobile-based services and self-service kiosks, to enable seamless and secure passenger movement. It will also involve upgrading infrastructure across immigration posts, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices, and data centres, along with deploying unified digital platforms and revamped application architecture. 

The system has already enabled a fully contactless visa process, with over 91% of e-visa applications cleared within 72 hours over the past five years. Average immigration clearance time has been reduced to 2.5–3 minutes, compared to 5–6 minutes earlier. 

Under the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme, automated e-gates at 13 major airports have further cut clearance time to around 30 seconds for eligible travellers. 

The government said the enhanced system will facilitate legitimate travel, boost tourism, and support business and medical travel while strengthening immigration control and addressing challenges such as illegal migration.

Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031 to 2035

In an another development towards strengthening India’s action, the Cabinet has approved India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 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.

The minister said that India’s NDC for 2031-35 is guided by the vision of Viksit Bharat, which is not just a goal for 2047, but a commitment to act today to build a prosperous, and climate resilient Bharat for the future generations. India’s successive climate targets build upon India’s earlier commitments, many of which have already been achieved ahead of schedule, reflecting country’s consistent track record of delivering on climate action. The five qualitative targets, are intended to embed sustainability into everyday life and governance systems, promote climate-resilient development pathways, and enable a just and inclusive transition for all sections of the society.