Is Ratlam Ready to Join Madhya Pradesh's Aviation Landscape for Jet Operations?
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Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that Ratlam is on the verge of getting its own airport capable of handling commercial aircraft, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth. This initiative is part of broader state efforts to improve air infrastructure and support local industrial development.
Key Takeaways
- Ratlam is set to develop an airport for commercial jet operations.
- The initiative aims to improve regional connectivity and support economic growth.
- Madhya Pradesh government is upgrading the existing Banjali airstrip.
- Ratlam is included in the UDAN scheme for affordable air travel.
- The airport is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional air infrastructure.
Ratlam, June 27 (NationPress) In an exciting development that promises to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth, Ratlam is set to establish its own airport facility suitable for commercial jet operations, as announced by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday.
The Madhya Pradesh government is taking steps to upgrade the Banjali airstrip, which currently has a 3,753-feet asphalt runway, to support commercial air travel.
During an industry conclave, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav revealed that the town will soon feature commercial flight services with a fully developed airport.
“Business owners and entrepreneurs currently have to resort to alternative transport or travel to Indore to board flights. Ratlam will have its own airport,” the chief minister stated.
A few months ago, a specialized technical team assessed the airstrip’s readiness for jet operations, arriving in Ratlam by special aircraft.
The team submitted comprehensive recommendations to the Public Works Department and relevant agencies to prepare the facility for business jet operations.
This announcement coincides with the development of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the proposed industrial corridor traversing through Ratlam district, anticipated to elevate the region into a significant economic hub.
The state government’s focus on enhancing air connectivity is regarded as a strategic move to complement these infrastructural advancements. Ratlam is already recognized as an unreserved airport under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, initiated in 2016 by the central government to make air travel more affordable and accessible.
In a written response to the Lok Sabha on February 10, 2022, the then Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed Ratlam's inclusion in the scheme.
“However, no airline has yet proposed to operate flights from the city in the four bidding rounds held thus far,” the minister clarified, stating that “UDAN remains an ongoing initiative, and future bids linking Ratlam will be evaluated according to the scheme’s guidelines.”
The airport development initiative is part of a broader state-level strategy to improve regional air infrastructure. Recently, new airports have been established in Datia and Satna.
The Datia airport, initially designed for smaller aircraft, underwent a Rs 70 crore expansion to accommodate 72-seater planes.
Similarly, the Satna airport, which dates back to World War II, was upgraded with a Rs 30 crore investment and received a DGCA license in 2024 for 19-seater aircraft operations.
As of November 2021, the Union government has allocated over Rs 2,300 crore for the revival and enhancement of RCS airports under the “Revival of unreserved and reserved airports” scheme.
The inclusion of Ratlam in this framework may lead to increased central support, anticipating a surge in economic activities in the area.
The combination of expressway access, industrial growth, and aviation infrastructure positions Ratlam as an emerging node in Madhya Pradesh.
Point of View
The announcement of Ratlam's airport development reflects a strategic approach by the Madhya Pradesh government to enhance regional connectivity. This initiative aligns with broader infrastructural improvements and economic strategies aimed at fostering growth in less accessible areas, embodying a commitment to equitable development across the nation.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Ratlam's airport development?
Ratlam is set to develop an airport capable of handling commercial aircraft, with upgrades to the existing Banjali airstrip already underway.
When will commercial flights start operating from Ratlam?
While no specific date has been announced, commercial flight services are expected to commence once the airport facilities are fully developed.
What is the UDAN scheme?
The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme aims to make air travel affordable and accessible, with Ratlam already included as an unreserved airport under this initiative.
How much investment has been made in similar airport projects in Madhya Pradesh?
The Union government has invested over Rs 2,300 crore in the revival and upgrade of RCS airports, including those in Datia and Satna.
How will the new airport impact Ratlam's economy?
The new airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate local businesses, and position Ratlam as a significant economic hub in Madhya Pradesh.
