Govt Plans 100 New Airports, 200 Heliports Under Modified UDAN Scheme

Ranchi (Jharkhand): Civial Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Wednesday inaugurated a series of passenger-centric and culturally significant facilities at Birsa Munda Airport here, including a statue and feature wall dedicated to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The facilities were inaugurated in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

The newly launched amenities include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Feature Wall with Statue, UDAN Yatri Café, AVSAR Counter, Kids Zone and Flybrary.

The feature wall and statue have been developed as a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and aim to showcase Jharkhand’s cultural identity and historical legacy to travellers arriving at the airport.

Speaking on the occasion, Ram Mohan Naidu said airports should not merely function as travel hubs but also reflect the heritage and spirit of the regions they represent.

“Every passenger arriving at Ranchi Airport will now be welcomed by the inspiring legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and introduced to the soul of Jharkhand,” he said.

Highlighting the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, the minister said the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 165 today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said Jharkhand has also witnessed significant growth in aviation infrastructure and passenger traffic over the past decade.

According to the minister, annual air passenger traffic in Jharkhand has grown more than fivefold since 2014, while aircraft movements and air cargo operations have increased substantially.

Announcing future expansion plans, Ram Mohan Naidu said the Modified UDAN scheme would facilitate the development of 100 new airports and 200 heliports across the country, particularly benefiting tribal and aspirational regions.

He stated that Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) operations have already commenced at Jamshedpur Airport, while airports at Dumka, Hazaribagh, Daltonganj, Dhalbhumgarh and Chaibasa are proposed to be developed under the UDAN initiative.

The minister said annual passenger traffic at Ranchi Airport has increased from 17 lakh to more than 27 lakh over the last five years. To meet future demand, the airport terminal will undergo expansion and reconfiguration.

Under the proposed plan, the Domestic Security Hold Area will be expanded to 6,480 square metres, increasing peak-hour passenger handling capacity to 2,160 passengers.

Plans are also underway for development of a Parallel Taxi Track, Rapid Exit Taxiway and two additional aircraft parking aprons to improve operational efficiency and runway capacity.

“We are committed to connecting Ranchi with global destinations and creating new economic opportunities for Jharkhand,” the minister said.

Highlighting the government’s “Ease of Flying” vision, Ram Mohan Naidu said the newly inaugurated UDAN Yatri Café would provide affordable food and beverages to passengers, while the Flybrary initiative seeks to encourage reading culture during travel.

The AVSAR outlet — Airports as Venues for Skilled Artisans of the Region — has also been launched to promote local and tribal artisans from Jharkhand and showcase traditional art forms such as Sohrai paintings.

The minister said the government’s objective is not merely to build airports but to make air travel more accessible, affordable and people-centric.

A dedicated Kids Zone has also been established at the airport to provide a safe and engaging recreational space for children, making travel more convenient for families.

The Airports Authority of India said it continues to transform airports into integrated travel hubs combining operational efficiency, passenger comfort and regional cultural identity.