UDAN to Add 120 New Destinations Over Next Decade

04 Feb 2025 CW Team

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a revamped UDAN scheme aimed at connecting 120 new destinations over the next 10 years. The regional connectivity initiative, originally introduced in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to make air travel more affordable by linking unserved and underserved airports.

For FY 2025-26, Rs 5.3 billion has been allocated to UDAN, compared to the revised estimate of Rs 8 billion in FY 2024-25. The modified version will also support helipads and small airports in hilly, aspirational, and north-eastern regions. Sitharaman highlighted that UDAN has already benefited 15 million middle-class travellers by enhancing accessibility.

According to the Economic Survey, UDAN has operationalised 619 routes, connecting 88 airports, including two water aerodromes and 13 heliports. Additionally, airport operators, including the Airports Authority of India, have completed 91% of their Rs 910 billion capital expenditure plan for FY 2020-25 as of November 2024.

The minister also announced plans for new greenfield airports in Bihar, alongside the expansion of Patna airport and the development of a brownfield airport at Bihta, further strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure.

(Hindustan Times)

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..