Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has emphasized the need for seamless air connectivity to give new dimensions to tourism in Madhya Pradesh. He has directed officials to enhance air connectivity in every possible way, ensuring that tourists can easily visit the state's rich historical and cultural heritage. Collaboration between the Aviation, Culture, Tourism, and Medical Departments is essential to achieve this goal. The state government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to develop Madhya Pradesh as a regional aviation hub. These directives were given during a review meeting of the Aviation Department at Samatva Bhavan (Chief Minister's residence) on Tuesday.
CM Yadav highlighted the inconvenience caused to the general public due to traffic restrictions during VVIP and VIP movements. To address this issue permanently, he instructed the construction of a new helipad near Vallabh Bhavan (Secretariat) and the Chief Minister's residence. This initiative will save time and ease difficulties for all. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (CM Office) Rajesh Rajoura, Additional Chief Secretary (Aviation) Sanjay Kumar Shukla, Aviation Commissioner Chandra Mauli Shukla, and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister underscored the vast potential of religious, medical, cultural, and tribal tourism in Madhya Pradesh. He instructed officials to develop aviation infrastructure aligned with employment opportunities and introduce job-oriented diploma and degree courses in pilot and crew training institutions. He also stressed the need to increase the number of pilots in the state by recruiting and training new candidates.
To expand domestic flights from major cities, CM Yadav called for coordination with other states and research on enhancing aviation facilities. He urged aviation companies and pilot training institutions to establish their services in Madhya Pradesh and encouraged universities to introduce aviation-related professional courses. The government will provide airstrips for student training.
CM Yadav announced that the government will soon inaugurate Satna and Datia airports, both significant religious tourism centres. These airports will boost religious tourism in the state. He also instructed officials to activate all inactive helipads across Madhya Pradesh to ensure widespread accessibility to air ambulance and helicopter services.
Additional Chief Secretary (Aviation) Sanjay Kumar Shukla reported that the number of air passengers in the state has been increasing significantly. In the financial year 2023-24, nearly 5.5 million passengers travelled through Madhya Pradesh's airports, with this number expected to reach 7.5 million by March 31, 2025. Currently, the state's share in India's air traffic is 1.45%, with a target to increase it to 5%.
Madhya Pradesh currently has eight airports, six of which are operational. Satna and Datia airports are yet to be inaugurated. The Chief Minister also ordered the expansion of Satna Airport's runway from 1,200 meters to 1,800 meters.
Land acquisition has begun for the development of new airports in Ujjain and Shivpuri. Additionally, the state government is actively working on upgrading and expanding high-capacity airstrips in cities like Ujjain, Singrauli, Sagar (Dhana), Neemuch, Shivpuri, Chhindwara, Mandla, Khandwa, and Ratlam. Similarly, development work is underway for aspiring airstrips in Grade-2 cities such as Balaghat (Birwa), Pachmarhi, Guna, Khargone, Mandsaur, Seoni, Sidhi, Panna, Jhabua, Shahdol, and Umaria.
