The Union Cabinet approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN for a period of ten years from 2026-27 to 2035-36, with a total budget of 28,840 crore rupees. Speaking to the media about the Cabinet's decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that 100 airports will be developed from existing, underutilized airstrips to improve regional connectivity. This will stimulate economic growth, trade, and tourism in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and provide affordable air travel for ordinary citizens.
Mr. Vaishnaw also informed that the Cabinet had approved a five-year extension of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking scheme from April 1, 2026, to March 2031, with a budget of 1,800 crore rupees. The IVFRT platform aims to integrate and optimize functions related to immigration, visa issuance, and the registration of foreigners in India. The core objective of the IVFRT is to modernize and upgrade immigration and visa services within a secure and integrated service delivery framework. It aims to facilitate legitimate travelers while strengthening national security.
The Cabinet has also approved India's Nationally Determined Contribution for the period 2031 to 2035, enhancing the country's ambition under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and climate justice. India has committed to reducing its GDP's emissions intensity by 47 percent by 2035, compared to the 2005 level. The country has achieved 52.57 percent non-fossil capacity as of February 2026, successfully meeting the target five years ahead of the timeline.
