Budget 2025: UDAN To Be Modified, 'Heal In India' To Be Prioritised

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Union Government will be launching a modified UDAN scheme to improve regional connectivity. In her speech while presenting the Union Budget 2025 on Feb. 1, Sitharaman said that the scheme will add 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years.

The finance minister also laid emphasis on investment in tourism for what she called "employment-led growth."

She said that India's top 50 tourist destination sites will be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode. MUDRA loans for homestays will be provided, and special focus will be given to destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha.

Medical tourism and "Heal in India" will be promoted in partnership with the private sector, she added.