# India's small-town aviation push expands with UDAN upgrades

> India's regional aviation network grows as Centre and states finalize UDAN upgrades to reach 120 new destinations and 4 crore passengers by 2036
- Title: India's small-town aviation push expands with UDAN upgrades
- Summary: India's regional aviation network grows as Centre and states finalize UDAN upgrades to reach 120 new destinations and 4 crore passengers by 2036 New UDAN…
- Keywords: udan, india, civil aviation ministry, k ram mohan naidu, airports authority of india, made in india, regional aviation, airstrip development, passenger affordability, indigenous manufacturing, India's, small-town
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/indias-small-town-aviation-push-enters-big-new-phase-as-centre-prepares-to-take-udan-wider-and-deeper/articleshow/134415512.cms
- Author: ET Online
- Published: 2026-09-22T15:27:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: udan, india, civil aviation ministry, k ram mohan naidu, airports authority of india, made in india, regional aviation, airstrip development, passenger affordability, indigenous manufacturing
## New UDAN agreements signed
Civil Aviation Ministry signed 21 agreements with states and UTs to strengthen regional air connectivity and infrastructure
## UDAN's regional impact
Tezu airport in Arunachal Pradesh and Purnea in Bihar show how air connectivity boosts local economies
## UDAN's growth metrics
UDAN has operated 687 routes across 95 aerodromes carrying 1.71 crore passengers in 3.66 lakh flights
## New UDAN pillars
Modified UDAN focuses on affordable travel, sustainable operations, transparent project challenges, and local aircraft manufacturing
## State-led airstrip development
States can now nominate airstrips and helipads for development through a dedicated portal to meet local needs
## 2036 target
UDAN aims to add 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers by 2036 through state partnerships
## Key takeaway

New UDAN agreements will connect 120 underserved areas through state-led airstrip development by 2036