Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Saturday announced a series of major aviation expansion initiatives, including affordable food facilities at airports, new regional air connectivity projects and the upcoming launch of UDAN 2, signaling the Centre’s aggressive push to transform India’s aviation infrastructure over the next decade.
Addressing an event in Ranchi, the Civil Aviation Minister said “Udan Yatri Cafe” facilities will be introduced across airports in India to provide affordable food and beverages to passengers. The initiative is aimed at making airport services more accessible for common travelers amid rising passenger traffic across the country.
Naidu also announced that the Centre would give top priority to expanding international connectivity from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, a move expected to strengthen Jharkhand’s direct links with global destinations and improve regional economic connectivity.
In another major announcement, the minister said Jharkhand cities including Dumka, Hazaribag, Chaibasa and Daltonganj would soon receive air connectivity under the government’s regional aviation expansion plans. The move is expected to improve access to remote and semi-urban regions while boosting tourism, healthcare access and business opportunities.
Naidu further revealed that the government is preparing to launch “UDAN 2” shortly as part of the next phase of India’s ambitious regional connectivity scheme. Under the long-term aviation roadmap, India aims to build 100 new airports and 200 helipads over the next 10 years to meet rapidly increasing domestic air travel demand.
The original UDAN Scheme was launched to make air travel affordable and connect underserved and unserved airports across India. Since its rollout, several smaller cities have been integrated into the country’s aviation network, significantly expanding regional mobility.
India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with passenger traffic and airport infrastructure witnessing rapid growth in recent years. The government has repeatedly emphasized improving regional access while simultaneously expanding international aviation capacity.
Officials said the latest announcements reflect the Centre’s broader strategy to strengthen aviation-led economic growth, tourism, logistics and regional development across multiple states. The proposed expansion of airports and helipads is also expected to support emergency services, medical transport and connectivity in difficult terrain regions.