Govt to Revamp Regional Connectivity Scheme Under Union Budget 2025-26

The Union Budget 2025-26 has proposed a modified version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) to enhance air connectivity to 120 new destinations and serve 40 million passengers over the next decade. The revised scheme will extend support to helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North Eastern districts, the Finance Minister announced.
Despite the initiative, the budget outlay for RCS-UDAN has been reduced to ₹540 crore, marking a 32.5% decline from the revised estimates for 2024-25. The overall allocation for the Ministry of Civil Aviation also saw an 8.8% cut, standing at ₹2,330 crore for FY 2025-26. The official launch of the revised scheme is expected at a later date.