📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / MoE of India
Sarkari Yojana
Government to Fund Heliport Construction under UDAN Scheme
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 04:17 AM
👁 6
The Union Cabinet has approved financial support for building heliports across the country under the UDAN regional connectivity programme.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has given the green light for central funding to develop heliports under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to create a network of short‑haul air‑links that can connect remote towns and tourist destinations to major airports.
The allocated funds will be used to construct landing pads, terminal facilities and ancillary infrastructure at selected sites, with the goal of enhancing last‑mile connectivity and reducing travel time for passengers and cargo. Officials said the initiative will complement existing airport upgrades and is expected to stimulate local economies by attracting tourism and business travel.
While the exact quantum of the grant has not been disclosed, the ministry indicated that the funding will be released in phases, contingent on the readiness of state governments and private partners. The first batch of heliports is slated to become operational within the next 12‑18 months, subject to regulatory clearances.
Industry observers view the move as a strategic push to diversify India's aviation ecosystem, especially in regions where runway construction is not feasible. By leveraging helicopters, the government hopes to bridge connectivity gaps and fulfill the broader objectives of the UDAN programme.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation will monitor progress through a joint steering committee and will publish periodic updates on project milestones and utilization metrics.
The allocated funds will be used to construct landing pads, terminal facilities and ancillary infrastructure at selected sites, with the goal of enhancing last‑mile connectivity and reducing travel time for passengers and cargo. Officials said the initiative will complement existing airport upgrades and is expected to stimulate local economies by attracting tourism and business travel.
While the exact quantum of the grant has not been disclosed, the ministry indicated that the funding will be released in phases, contingent on the readiness of state governments and private partners. The first batch of heliports is slated to become operational within the next 12‑18 months, subject to regulatory clearances.
Industry observers view the move as a strategic push to diversify India's aviation ecosystem, especially in regions where runway construction is not feasible. By leveraging helicopters, the government hopes to bridge connectivity gaps and fulfill the broader objectives of the UDAN programme.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation will monitor progress through a joint steering committee and will publish periodic updates on project milestones and utilization metrics.