Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared images of the new Jodhpur airport terminal, describing it as a major boost for tourism and connectivity ahead of its inauguration on July 4, according to a report by Business Today. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Tomorrow, 4th July, is a very special day for the people of Jodhpur. The New Terminal Building of Jodhpur Airport will be inaugurated. Jodhpur has a very important place as far as tourism in India is concerned. This upgraded infrastructure will encourage more tourists to come to Jodhpur. It will boost commerce as well."
New Terminal: Capacity, Cost, and Design
The new terminal building has been developed at a cost of around Rs 400–480 crore and spans over 2.5 lakh square feet, as per official details cited by Business Today. It is designed to handle approximately 2 million passengers annually, with a peak-hour capacity of nearly 1,000 passengers. The airport currently handles over 1 million passengers a year, with traffic having doubled over the past 12 years, according to airport officials.
The terminal incorporates energy-efficient systems, natural lighting, water conservation features, and a climate-responsive design suited for Jodhpur’s hot and arid conditions. The architecture draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal heritage, featuring arches, domes, and design motifs reflecting local culture, blended with modern infrastructure. The facility is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and employment in the region.
Modified UDAN Scheme: Rs 28,840 Crore for Regional Connectivity
In a separate post on X, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the launch of the Modified UDAN Scheme from Jodhpur, aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity across India. "From Jodhpur, the Modified UDAN Scheme will be launched. This will ensure that more people are able to fly and connectivity across India is enhanced. Focus will be on developing 100 aerodromes from existing unserved strips and allocating more resources to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support," the Prime Minister said.
According to official details reported by Business Today, the Modified UDAN scheme carries an allocation of Rs 28,840 crore over the next decade. The funding is distributed as follows:
| Component | Allocation (Rs crore) |
|---|---|
| Development of 100 aerodromes from unserved airstrips | Over 12,000 |
| Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support | 2,500 |
| Viability gap funding for airlines to sustain regional operations | Over 10,000 |
| Development of 200 modern helipads in difficult terrains | Included in above |
| Indigenous aircraft and helicopter procurement (HAL Dhruv, Dornier platforms) | Included in above |
The scheme aims to expand aviation infrastructure, improve viability of regional routes, and enhance access in remote and underserved areas. It also supports indigenous aircraft procurement as part of the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat push.
Broader Infrastructure Push in Rajasthan
Alongside the airport inauguration and UDAN rollout, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects in Rajasthan, according to Business Today. These include metro rail, highways, and the state’s refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, which is expected to further boost energy and industrial development. The developments come as part of a broader infrastructure push aimed at enhancing connectivity, tourism, and economic activity in the region.
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