Cabinet Approves Helicopter Services under PPP Model

Sept 2023 : A meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, was held on Tuesday at the Mantralaya. The Cabinet approved operation of helicopter services within the State under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the support of private operators. Helicopter services will operate from selected airports, helipads and airstrips across the state.

Operations will be divided into three sectors.  In Sector 1—Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuwantiya, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda, Bhopal and Jabalpur are included. Sector 2 includes Bhopal, Madhai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno (Sheopur), Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Betul, Tikamgarh and Jabalpur. Sector 3 comprises Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakoot, Sarsi, Parsili, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench, Dindori, Bhopal and Indore.

The objective is to provide affordable and sustainable helicopter services that connect major cities, religious sites, national parks, and tourist destinations. This initiative will make travel easier for passengers, tourists, investors and residents, while also boosting trade, tourism and employment opportunities in the state.

Approval of Revised Cost for Satpura Thermal Power Plant, Sarni

The Cabinet approved the revised cost of ₹11,678.74 crore (including non-EPC costs) for the 660 MW Satpura Thermal Power Plant at Sarni, operated by Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited. The project will be financed in a 20:80 equity-to-debt ratio. Out of the 20% equity, the state government will provide ₹684.53 crore, while the remaining equity will be arranged by the company from its own resources. Beyond the ₹431.45 crore already allocated till FY 2025-26, the remaining state share will be provided through the departmental budget between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31 at ₹50.62 crore per year.

Approval of Revised Cost for Amarkantak Thermal Power Plant, Chachai

The Cabinet also approved the revised cost of ₹11,476.31 crore for the 660 MW Amarkantak Thermal Power Plant at Chachai, operated by Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited. The financing pattern will follow the 20:80 equity-to-debt ratio. Out of the 20% equity, the state government will contribute ₹699.90 crore, and the rest is to be arranged by the company. Already allocated ₹365 crore till FY 2025-26. Remaining state share will be provided through the departmental budget between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31 at ₹66.98 crore per year.

Creation of 354 New Senior Resident Posts

The Cabinet approved creation of 354 new Senior Resident posts in non-clinical and para-clinical faculties of 13 autonomous medical colleges to meet the standards of the National Medical Commission (NMC). These posts will be created in medical colleges located at Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Vidisha, Ratlam, Khandwa, Shahdol, Shivpuri, Datia, and Chhindwara. This step will ensure compliance with NMC norms, streamline medical college operations, and allow postgraduate students to pursue senior residency within their institutions. It will also strengthen availability of teachers in non-clinical and para-clinical faculties across the state.