Expansion of air services in India is unprecedented; air travel within reach of everyone: C.M. Dr. Mohan Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision has transformed India’s aviation sector. Due to his foresight, air travel has now become accessible to every section of society. Even a common citizen can afford air travel. He said that the life of Ahilyabai Holkar inspires us to work continuously for public welfare. Following the path shown by Lokmata, new steps in public service are being taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister said that India is witnessing an exceptional expansion of air services. In Madhya Pradesh, the PM Shri Air Ambulance Service has also been launched, enabling seriously ill patients to be quickly transported to higher medical centres for treatment. The Chief Minister was addressing a programme at Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore on Sunday.

The Chief Minister inaugurated Terminal-1 of Indore Airport, presenting the residents of Indore and the entire Malwa region with a modern terminal facility. He said that passenger amenities are being continuously enhanced to make air travel more convenient and comfortable. The new terminal will further strengthen Indore’s position on the national and international aviation map. Indore’s aviation facilities have also been honoured with a Quality Certificate by the American Quality Council. Dr. Yadav handed over the Quality Certificate of Registration to Indore Airport officials and congratulated them.

World-class facilities

The Chief Minister stated that passengers will receive world-class facilities at the new terminal in Indore. Under the restructuring project, development and construction works worth about ₹50 crore have been carried out, including renovation of the old terminal building. The terminal is now capable of handling around 400 passengers per hour.

It includes: 14 check-in counters, Seating capacity for about 300 passengers, Terminal area of around 6,000 square metres, Annual passenger capacity of 1.5 million passengers. Facilities such as operation of 18 flights, parking for 150 four-wheelers, and a VIP room have also been provided.

Rapid expansion of aviation facilities in state

Dr. Yadav said that considering the increasing number of passengers in Indore, aviation facilities are being expanded rapidly. A large waiting area has been developed in the new terminal to manage crowd flow efficiently during peak hours. An “Udaan Yatri Café” will also be started at the terminal, where passengers will get tea for ₹10 and snacks for ₹20.

Target: One commercial airport every 150 km

The Chief Minister informed that Madhya Pradesh currently has 8 airports, 20 airstrips, and 220 helipads. In the past two years, new airports have begun operations in Rewa, Satna, and Datia. Preparations are also underway to build new airports in Ujjain and Shivpuri, which will increase the total number of airports in the state to 10.

The state government’s target is to develop: One commercial airport every 150 km, One airstrip every 75 km and One helipad every 45 km.

He said that the unprecedented expansion in railways, aviation, and road connectivity is taking place in Madhya Pradesh reaching new heights of development. With improved railway and aviation services, along with major road packages from the Centre and construction of expressways, the state is emerging as a logistics hub of the country.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu also participated virtually in the inauguration programme. The event was addressed by Shankar Lalwani, Member of Parliament from Indore, along with other speakers.

Minister for Water Resources Shri Tulsi Silawat, former minister Shri Mahendra Hardia, former minister Usha Thakur, MLA Smt. Malini Gaud, Mayor Shri Pushyamitra Bhargav and a large number of public representatives and citizens were present.