Wings to Vindhya’s Soaring Aspirations

When Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi once said, “The day is not far when even those wearing slippers will fly in airplanes,” critics dismissed it as mere rhetoric. Today, they should come to Rewa to see how that vision has taken flight, quite literally, transforming into reality.

November 10, 2025 marks a historic day for generations of Vindhya residents, as the ATR-72 aircraft takes off for Delhi, turning long-cherished dreams into reality. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon’ble Chief Minister, MPs, MLAs, and the citizens of Vindhya will witness this moment of progress. But this is only the beginning Rewa will soon be connected by air to Indore, and in the next phase, to major cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru.

When the media asks me, “What next after this?” I simply reply — Airbus! Just extend the runway by 500 meters, and we are ready.

We, the people of Vindhya, remain deeply grateful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his personal interest in expanding air connectivity in Rewa. On September 9, 2024, DGCA issued a license for 72-seater aircraft operations from Rewa Airport. Subsequently, on October 20, 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the Rewa Airport, paving the way for Rewa–Delhi and Rewa–Indore flights. Proposals were sent to IndiGo and Alliance Air, and today’s flight is the result of those efforts.

The foundation stone of Rewa Airport was laid on February 15, 2023, by then Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and then Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. That day marked the beginning of Rewa’s journey toward becoming North-Central India’s most important air traffic destination.

At the Global Investors Meet in Indore two years ago, Shri Scindia proudly announced that Madhya Pradesh would develop its sixth airport — capturing the attention of global investors eyeing the region’s potential in power, mining, wildlife tourism, and food processing industries. The airport will also open new doors for investment in education and healthcare.

It gives me immense satisfaction to note that Rewa Airport is being developed in phases. Within the next five years, it will be ready for Boeing landings and international flights.

Given the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in the state, I am confident that this vision will soon be fully realized. This is the dawn of Vindhya’s golden era of development — one that begins in the Amrit Kaal of India’s independence.

Rewa is once again marching in step with India’s most progressive cities. Until 1956, Rewa was the capital of Vindhya Pradesh, standing shoulder to shoulder with cities like Bhopal, Lucknow, Patna, and Bhubaneswar. But due to political bias, the Congress government stripped it of that honor, and from 1956 to 2004, the region remained neglected.

Vindhya’s natural wealth and the people’s spirit of progress, however, never faded. Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later Narendra Modi, and in Madhya Pradesh under Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vindhya’s pain and potential were finally recognized. Today, the region is emerging as a frontrunner in multiple sectors.

When I say that Rewa Airport will become North-Central India’s most important aviation hub, I have solid reasoning behind it. The Singrauli Power Complex alone produces over 20,000 MW of electricity — the largest in India. A world-class road corridor connecting Rewa and Singrauli is nearing completion. Travelers who once took five hours to reach Varanasi will now reach Rewa Airport in just two.

Within a 225 km radius, Vindhya houses 29 major industrial units, most connected to national highways. For the officials and executives of these industries, the Rewa Airport will be a tremendous convenience. Vindhya also holds a prominent place in wildlife tourism — the world-famous white tiger traces its lineage to Rewa, and most tigers featured on television are from Bandhavgarh or Panna. Air connectivity will make visiting these destinations far easier for tourists.

Rewa is home to a 750 MW solar power complex, one of Asia’s largest. Its majestic waterfalls, spiritual centers like Chitrakoot (the Tapovan of Lord Ram), and Maihar (the abode of Goddess Sharda) will attract visitors from across the nation.

The vast waterscape of Bansagar Dam and its islands, once developed, will rival the natural beauty of Hanumantiya. Vindhya is also a major cement production hub, attracting investments from leading industrial houses. Rewa is fast emerging as a medical and educational center, akin to Nagpur and Kota.

Currently, three lakh hectares of land are irrigated, but once Bansagar’s water reaches nine lakh hectares, the transformation of the farming community will be beyond imagination. With rising purchasing power and expanding infrastructure, Rewa is poised to become North-Central India’s most developed metropolis, advancing in the footsteps of Indore.

Urban development agencies now recognize Rewa as a “city of immense potential.” All this reinforces my belief that Rewa Airport will truly give golden wings to Vindhya’s flight of progress.

The realization of Rewa’s air connectivity has been a result of relentless effort. I remain thankful to former Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who, on January 13, 2015, wrote to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to explore the feasibility of an airport in Rewa — a move that set everything in motion.

When the Prime Minister launched the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to promote affordable air travel, Rewa was included, thanks to his vision. Under Shri Scindia’s leadership as Civil Aviation Minister, Rewa Airport remained a top priority. When the Airport Authority requested an additional 258 acres, the state government promptly sanctioned ₹209 crore for land acquisition.

When the spirit of public service and commitment is strong, destiny itself clears the path — just as it did for Rewa Airport, now a proud reality. On behalf of the people of Vindhya and the citizens of Rewa, I extend heartfelt gratitude and humility.