In a further push for regional air connectivity, the Cabinet on Thursday approved the expenditure of Rs 4,500 crore for the "revival and development of un-served and under-served" airports.

A government statement read, "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for extension of time and scope for revival and development of un-served and under-served air strips of State Governments, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Civil enclaves, CPSUs, helipads and water aerodromes at the total cost of Rs.4500 crore with the budgetary support of Government of India."

The statement further said that this initiative will help economically boost the small cities/towns in terms of job creation and infrastructure development.

Under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme started to improve regional connectivity, the government held to two bidding rounds for airlines.

The statement further said, "During RCS-UDAN version 1.0 & 2.0, 66 airports were identified and 31 heliports (28 unserved heliports and 3 unserved airports). During UDAN version 3.0, to increase the tourism potential at the coastal areas, Tourism routes in coordination with Ministry of Tourism and Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes were included."