Will Madhya Pradesh's Air Connectivity Soar with New Developments?
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ujjain airport construction has begun.
 - New flight services from Rewa to Indore and New Delhi are on the way.
 - Madhya Pradesh currently has nine operational airports.
 - India's aircraft fleet is projected to grow to 2,500.
 - 90 new airports have been established in 11 years under Modi's leadership.
 
Bhopal, Nov 1 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, praised the increasing potential of Madhya Pradesh in the aviation industry on Saturday, announcing that construction on the planned airport in Ujjain has officially commenced.
Minister Naidu emphasized that Ujjain, a spiritual hub in Madhya Pradesh attracting pilgrims and tourists year-round, requires an airport not only to enhance accessibility for visitors but also to stimulate economic growth and development in the area.
This announcement was made during the Madhya Pradesh government’s ‘Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh’ event, celebrating the state’s 70th Foundation Day in Bhopal. The Minister was present to launch the 'PM Shri Helicopter' initiative designed to promote the tourism sector.
Additionally, the Union Minister revealed plans for a 70-seater aircraft service connecting Rewa to Indore and New Delhi, with all necessary protocols for the service's launch already fulfilled.
Significantly, the Rewa Airport was virtually inaugurated on October 20, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, an ATR-72 aircraft from Alliance Air successfully completed a trial landing at the airport.
A senior official from the Madhya Pradesh government informed IANS that two new flights, operated by IndiGo and Alliance Air, are set to commence from Rewa Airport. The state government is expected to present the ‘Letter of Award’ to both airlines during an event coinciding with the state’s Foundation Day.
Currently, Madhya Pradesh boasts nine operational airports in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Khajuraho, while airports in Rewa, Satna, Datia, and Panna are yet to begin full operations.
Minister Naidu also highlighted that India currently operates around 800 aircraft, with projections suggesting this number will increase to 2,500 in the coming years.
He stated, "Various aircraft service providers in the country have collectively ordered 1,700 new aircraft, representing the largest single procurement globally. While we currently have a satisfactory number of airports, we face a shortage of aircraft, particularly smaller models. Once these new aircraft arrive, air services in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will significantly improve," added Union Minister Naidu.
Furthermore, he noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 90 new airports have been established across India in the last 11 years, averaging one new airport every 45 days.