Boosting Regional Connectivity: Udan 2.0 to Spur Small Aircraft Manufacturing in India

India's civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, expects a six-fold increase in the budget for the regional connectivity scheme Udan to boost access to smaller towns and drive demand for smaller aircraft, potentially spurring local manufacturing. The government aims to develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads, with the goal of promoting regional air connectivity and boosting the economy of smaller towns. Major aerospace companies like Embraer and Leonardo are setting up manufacturing lines in India, and the government is taking steps to facilitate these initiatives.