Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the newly built terminal building at Jodhpur Airport in Rajasthan, marking a major milestone in India's aviation infrastructure. He unveiled the inauguration plaque by pressing a remote button and later toured the modern terminal.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, Union Culture and Tourism Minister and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma upon his arrival.

New Terminal Built at a Cost of ₹480 Crore

The new airport terminal has been constructed at a cost of ₹480 crore and covers more than 23,000 square metres. It has been designed to handle nearly 20 lakh passengers every year, significantly increasing the airport's passenger capacity.

The terminal offers modern facilities, including spacious waiting lounges, advanced baggage handling systems, improved security infrastructure, multiple check-in counters, and passenger-friendly amenities to provide a comfortable travel experience.

Terminal Showcases Rajasthan's Cultural Heritage

The architecture of the terminal reflects Rajasthan's royal heritage by blending traditional design elements such as arches, jharokhas, and decorative motifs with modern airport infrastructure. During the inauguration ceremony, folk artists performed cultural programmes to welcome the Prime Minister.

PM Modi Launches Modified UDAN Scheme

Alongside the airport inauguration, Prime Minister Modi launched the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, aimed at taking regional air connectivity to the next level.

The Central Government has allocated ₹28,840 crore for the scheme over the next 10 years. The revamped programme seeks to improve connectivity to smaller cities, remote regions, and underserved airports while expanding India's aviation network.

Focus on Affordable Air Travel and Regional Development

The Modified UDAN Scheme is expected to make air travel more affordable and accessible for citizens while promoting tourism, trade, investment, and employment. It will also encourage balanced regional development by connecting more parts of the country through improved aviation infrastructure.

Government Continues Push for Aviation Infrastructure

The inauguration of the new Jodhpur Airport terminal and the launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme reflect the government's continued focus on strengthening India's aviation sector. The initiatives are expected to improve passenger convenience, boost regional connectivity, and support long-term economic growth through enhanced transport infrastructure.