Will Madhya Pradesh Establish Dedicated Helipads for PM-Shri Heli Tourism Service?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated helipads will enhance access to spiritual sites.
- Reduced travel time allows for more efficient pilgrimages.
- New wellness centers will promote health tourism.
- Madhya Pradesh's wildlife tourism is gaining global attention.
- Investor interest is increasing in the state's tourism sector.
Bhopal, Nov 25 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for religious, wellness, and wildlife tourism, the Madhya Pradesh government revealed plans to construct dedicated helipads for the newly initiated ‘PM-Shri Heli Tourism Service’, which will provide helicopter access to the state's most sacred spiritual sites.
Three primary locations have already had these helipads built: Bichauli Hapsi near Indore, behind the police line in Ujjain, and at Mandhata in Omkareshwar.
Thanks to these new facilities, pilgrims and tourists will soon have the opportunity to visit both the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain and the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga located along the banks of the Narmada River in a single day. This journey, which currently takes between 6–8 hours by road, will now be completed in less than 90 minutes by air.
The helicopter service was inaugurated on November 20.
"The PM-Shri Heli Tourism Service will revolutionize the way devotees explore the sacred sites of Madhya Pradesh," stated Kailash Vijayvargiya, the state's Urban Minister, following the cabinet meeting. He further emphasized, "This initiative will save time, alleviate fatigue, and enable visitors to pray at two of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas within one spiritually fulfilling day."
This initiative goes beyond spiritual tourism; land has also been designated for premium wellness centers in Bhopal and deep within the untouched forests of Pachmarhi.
These luxurious facilities, expected to be operational in a few months, will provide retreats focusing on Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, and meditation amidst nature.
The allure of wildlife tourism in Madhya Pradesh is also gaining unprecedented global attention.
World-renowned tiger reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Satpura continue to attract wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
The stunning marble rocks of Bhedaghat, where the Narmada flows like a river of milk between striking white cliffs, are being promoted as one of the earth’s most breathtaking natural phenomena.
"The state’s groundbreaking cheetah and leopard reintroduction projects have emerged as global conservation success stories. Cheetahs relocated from Africa and leopards from other regions have not only acclimatized to Madhya Pradesh's forests but are thriving, breeding, and nurturing cubs – showcasing the commitment of the state’s forest department," he remarked.
"With seamless helicopter connectivity, top-tier wellness retreats, and flourishing wildlife sanctuaries, Madhya Pradesh is quickly becoming India's prime destination for spiritual seekers, nature enthusiasts, and mindful travelers," the Minister asserted.
Tourism Department sources indicate a surge in investor interest, with several international hospitality chains currently in discussions for partnerships.
Madhya Pradesh is undoubtedly carving out a new narrative as the heart of spiritual and eco-tourism in India.