We are connecting hearts, not just bridging distances : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the government’s goal is to make air travel not merely a means of transport, but also a delightful experience. Madhya Pradesh will offer its citizens and tourists both modern amenities and a warm cultural touch. He said that we are not only bridging distances, but also uniting hearts and experiences. The helicopter tourism service will set new benchmarks in the tourism sector. This facility will not only save time for tourists and travelers but will also offer a unique combination of faith, spirituality, tourism, and experience – all in one journey.

The objective is to connect major tourist destinations of the state by air, bridging distances and saving time. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh has become the first and only state in the country to start Air Ambulance and Helicopter Tourism Services (Intra-State Air Services).

The Chief Minister was addressing a function held at Raja Bhoj International Airport, where he launched several key and innovative initiatives in tourism and aviation on the occasion of the 70th Foundation Day of Madhya Pradesh. These include the “PM Shri Aerial Tourism Helicopter Service,” “Digi Yatra,” “Flybrary,” “Kids Play Zone,” and the upgraded CAT-II ILS system.

Dr. Yadav flagged off the PM Shri Tourism Helicopters and formally launched the service. He inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and handed over boarding passes to Minister of State (Independent Charge) for OBC & Minority Welfare, Smt. Krishna Gaur, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture & Tourism, Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, marking the commencement of the heli-tourism service.

Tourism – a strong pillar of state’s economy

Dr. Yadav congratulated the people of the state on its 70th Foundation Day, saying that the day is not just a celebration, but a symbol of Madhya Pradesh’s development journey, social unity, and cultural pride. He said that over the past 70 years, the state has overcome many challenges, and now the firm resolve is to make Madhya Pradesh self-reliant, technologically advanced, and a leading state in tourism.

He noted that tourism is a sector that connects the economy, culture, and society. It is the only field that offers enjoyment, employment, and identity while exploring new destinations, diverse cultures, and heritage. Madhya Pradesh presents a unique blend of heritage, natural beauty, forest wealth, and spiritual tourism. The aim is to make these destinations more accessible and world-class. The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service is a visionary initiative in this direction, enabling domestic and international tourists to reach major attractions swiftly and safely.

Helicopter service to give new direction to tourism

Dr. Yadav informed that, in the initial phase, the PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service will operate in three major tourism sectors – Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar, Bhopal–Madai–Pachmarhi, and Jabalpur–Bandhavgarh–Kanha.

This service will allow tourists to cover multiple destinations in less time, while also promoting rural and semi-urban employment, homestay businesses, and local product marketing. The initiative will also open new opportunities for helicopter charter companies, tourism agencies, guides, and women’s self-help groups.

PM Shri Heli Service begins in three sectors

On the 70th Foundation Day, Dr. Yadav said that the PM Shri Helicopter Service is a unique gift for tourists, offering complete travel packages.

Currently, it takes about 5.5 hours by road from Bhopal to Pachmarhi, but with the new heli service, the journey will take only 45–50 minutes. Similarly, flights from Jabalpur to Kanha and Bandhavgarh, and from Indore to Ujjain and Omkareshwar, will allow pilgrims to visit both Jyotirlingas in a single day. The city of Ujjain will soon have the state’s 9th airport.

Madhya Pradesh has launched its first-ever intra-state aviation service, and from November 20, direct IndiGo flights between Rewa and Indore will begin. Direct air service between Rewa and Delhi is another major milestone for eastern Madhya Pradesh. Since the new government took office, three new airports—in Rewa, Satna, and Datia—have been inaugurated.

Dr. Yadav quoted Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri K. Ram Mohan Naidu, who said that Madhya Pradesh has immense potential in aviation. The PM Shri Air Ambulance Service was also first launched in Madhya Pradesh, providing affordable and even free air ambulance services through the Ayushman Card scheme. Smaller cities like Satna have also been connected by air services.

He noted that all airports in the state are architectural landmarks and expressed hope that the upcoming Ujjain Airport will reflect the divine essence of Lord Mahakal. Under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership, the number of airports in India has doubled in 11 years. The aviation sector in India is growing rapidly, with a world-class airport being developed at Jewar, near Delhi.

Dr. Yadav also mentioned that blackbucks were recently relocated via helicopter from Shajapur to Gandhisagar, Kanha, and Kuno sanctuaries.

A major step towards a self-reliant Madhya Pradesh through tourism

Dr. Yadav emphasized that this expansion in tourism services is not just about new facilities—it is a powerful step toward building an Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh. Every new service creates jobs, enhances skills, and strengthens the local economy.

The government aims to double tourist numbers by 2030 and expand the tourism-based economy to ₹50,000 crore. The new heli-tourism services will generate large-scale employment for both youth and women. Through the Devi Ahilya Women Empowerment Mission, women are being trained in tourism, hospitality, and handicrafts to become self-reliant.

Madhya Pradesh soaring to new heights under Dr. Yadav’s leadership

Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said that under Dr. Yadav’s leadership, the tourism department is achieving new milestones. After the successful PM Shri Air Ambulance program, the PM Shri Tourism Heli Service is being launched at several new locations. On the 70th Foundation Day, the “Viksit Madhya Pradesh @2047 Vision Document” was also released.

He added that this service will not only simplify air travel but also boost rural economy, employment generation, local products, and cultural prosperity. Tourists will now be able to travel from Ujjain (the city of Mahakal) to Pachmarhi in the Satpura hills, and to the forest regions of Kanha and Bandhavgarh within just a few hours—marking an innovative step toward a “Connected and Self-Reliant Madhya Pradesh.”

Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture) Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla stated that the PM Shri Tourism Air Service launched a year ago has already carried over 10,000 tourists. Given Madhya Pradesh’s vast geography, expanding air connectivity through helicopter services is a natural progression. The state is the first in India to establish intra-state air connectivity, which will give new momentum to tourism.

On the Foundation Day, four helicopters took off for Ujjain after being flagged off by the Chief Minister. Several dignitaries, including Smt. Krishna Gaur, Smt. Malti Rai (Mayor), MLAs Rameshwar Sharma, Vishnu Khatri, Ramniwas Meshram, Rahul Kothari, and AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, also flew from Bhopal to Ujjain.

Regular helicopter tourism service from November 20, 2025

The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service will be operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, strengthening air connectivity between tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

Operations will run five days a week in each sector. Sector-1: Managed by M/s Trans Bharat Aviation, Sectors-2 and 3: Managed by M/s Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Each helicopter will have at least six passenger seats.

Three main operational sectors

To connect major tourist, religious, and wildlife destinations by air, services will operate in three sectors.

Sector 1 includes Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuwantiya, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda, Bhopal, and Jabalpur. Sector 2 includes Bhopal, Madai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno (Sheopur), Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Betul, Tikamgarh, and Jabalpur and Sector 3 includes Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakoot, Sarshi, Parsuli, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench, Dindori, Bhopal, and Indore.

First state to operate intra-state air connectivity

The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service will make travel between major religious, wildlife, and natural destinations more convenient and appealing. It is not just a scheme, but a golden key to safe, comfortable, and unforgettable journeys across the state. Travelers can also customize their itineraries, selecting preferred destinations for tailored helicopter tours. The service adapts to travelers’ wishes-offering personalized, memorable experiences.

End-to-End Experience for Tourists

A major highlight of PM Shri Tourism is its end-to-end travel experience. Journey begins right from doorstep to the helipad. Post-flight, arrangements for hotels, temple visits, guided tours, and even jungle safaris are pre-organized. Every moment will be enjoyable.

Those present were Minister Smt. Krishna Gaur, MP Shri Darshan Singh Choudhary, MLAs Shri Rameshwar Sharma, Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Shri Vishnu Khatri, Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, Shri Rahul Kothari, and AAI Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar, among many others.