Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Tuesday flagged off the first direct flight of Indigo Airlines on the Bhopal-Raipur route at Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was present.
The Minister said: “Under the UDAN scheme, the intention is to make the fares accessible for the common man to promote air travel. Till 2025, the government plans to operationalize more than 200 airports, (up) from 136.
"Earlier, due to non-availability of the direct flight, people had to travel for more than 12 hours between the two cities. The new flight route will not only enhance regional connectivity but also promote trade, commerce and tourism between these cities.”
Scindia said both states celebrated their foundation day on Monday. On Tuesday, their capitals were connected by air.
Raipur's Swami Vivekananda Airport Director Rakesh Ranjan Sahay said the flight will operate on three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The flight from Bhopal will leave at 10.15 am and reach Raipur at 12.00 hours. The flight will proceed from Raipur at 12.20 pm and reach Bhopal at 01.35 hours.
On the maiden day, 59 passengers arrived from Bhopal and 63 passengers departed from Raipur.