Synopsis
In Madhya Pradesh, the government is making strides to attract private aviation companies to utilize unused airstrips, especially in tier-II towns. With the launch of the new civil aviation policy and plans for infrastructure expansion, the state aims to enhance air connectivity and boost tourism ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.Key Takeaways
- State government seeks to attract private aviation players.
- 22 unused airstrips identified for potential use.
- New aviation policy introduced for infrastructure development.
- Focus on enhancing tourism and religious connectivity.
- Investment subsidies offered for training and cargo facilities.
Bhopal, Feb 22 (NationPress) Following the announcement of Madhya Pradesh's eighth airport and in light of the forthcoming 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, the state government is hopeful about engaging private entities to utilize unused airstrips and helipads in the area, particularly for single-engine aircraft operators.
A new civil aviation policy for 2025 has been recently introduced to facilitate this initiative. The government is actively working to attract private aviation firms to capitalize on its existing 22 airstrips, most of which are located in tier-II towns such as Neemuch, Ratlam, Khargone, Khandwa, Shivpuri, Guna, Sagar, Sidhi, Datana (Ujjain), Pachmarhi, Panna, and Umaria.
There are a total of 28 airstrips in the state, with some owned by private corporations and the central government.
Out of the total, 22 airstrips are managed by the Public Works Department of Madhya Pradesh, with 13 requiring repairs. “These airstrips are ideal for training, aviation sports, or even linking significant destinations like Ujjain-Indore-Omkareshwar,” a government official informed IANS.
Interest from private aviation companies has been minimal, with only one company partnering with MP Tourism Development Corporation to commence operations on select routes since September 7, 2011.
Recently, the state introduced a policy aimed at enticing aviation firms to manage helipads and airstrips, offering a range of flexible facilities.
Last June, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated an intra-state air service to enhance tourism under the ‘PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva’ initiative, with the inaugural flight from Bhopal to Jabalpur. Currently, this service operates exclusively on the Bhopal-Khajuraho-Rewa-Singrauli route.
In 2010-11, the Madhya Pradesh government made attempts to invite private enterprises to operate small aircraft at these airstrips. Efforts to present airstrips through viability gap funding for single-engine aircraft in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior met with limited interest from private players. The popular routes included Bhopal-Jabalpur, Indore-Jabalpur, and Rewa-Bhopal.
“Most private operators prefer fully operational airstrips. Furthermore, some airstrips are quite small, like the one in Pachmarhi, a notable tourist hub,” the official stated.
In tier-two towns, numerous airstrips remain either unused or are only occasionally utilized, with ownership held by private entities.
Recently, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a significant expansion of the state's civil aviation infrastructure. The state aims to establish a pucca helipad every 45 km and an airport every 150 km under the newly ratified Madhya Pradesh Civil Aviation Policy-2025.
The policy stipulates that identified airstrips will be allocated to private investors under long-term development agreements lasting 15 years, with the option for renewal after that period. Airstrips will be available for landing and take-off, and private investors may enhance the strips with departmental approval.
“The government will engage with private players during GIS 2025 to discuss the potential for selecting airstrips, developing them, and commencing services. Soon, bids will be solicited for helicopter services connecting Indore, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar, improving access to these vital religious and business centers,” the official mentioned.
By 2030, key tourist and religious locations are expected to benefit from reliable and affordable air connectivity, as stated by the Chief Minister. Subsidy grants will support private investors in establishing training institutions and aero sports training centers.
“These airstrips can serve as flight training schools,” the official remarked.
Moreover, air cargo facilities will be developed to facilitate the export of agricultural goods from the state if private entities utilize these airstrips.
The new aviation policy also proposes capital subsidies to foster ancillary aviation services. The Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) for aircraft engaged in night parking in the state will be set at 1 percent. To bolster capacity building and skill development, the policy will provide investment promotion assistance of up to 40 percent of the capital investment for setting up flight training institutes.
Promoting the aviation sector is expected to enhance the export of agricultural and perishable goods, stimulate manufacturing and e-commerce industries, develop skilled human resources, and generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, as noted by CM Yadav.
