CM Dr. Yadav’s Initiative Gives New Wings to Tourism

With the visionary initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has opened a new chapter of pride in the domain of air tourism. To strengthen air connectivity and increase tourist inflow, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has formally started operation of the ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’ from Thursday, 20 November.

The service commenced amid traditional music, enthusiasm, colours and a warm welcome from local citizens, creating a festive atmosphere across the state. This service will now operate regularly, giving tourism in Madhya Pradesh a new direction and strong momentum.

First Flights: A Historic Moment

On the first day, as per schedule, helicopters operated in three sectors: from Bhopal to Madhai and from Madhai to Pachmarhi; from Indore to Ujjain and Omkareshwar; and from Jabalpur to Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Public representatives and religious heads enjoyed these inaugural flights.

Tourism, Culture & Religious Trust and Endowments Minister (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi said that this service will provide a fast, convenient, and affordable air route for spiritual, nature, and wildlife tourism. The new heli network will not only save precious time for travellers, but will also promote employment and investment in the state.

ACS Tourism, Culture, Home & Religious Trust and Endowments, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, said that the ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’ is an innovative initiative to connect major religious, natural, cultural, and wildlife destinations across the state. He stated that affordable fares and reduced travel time will make this service highly attractive for tourists. The service will provide a new direction to high-value and spiritual tourism. A significant boost for both domestic and international tourist inflow is expected by the ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’.

From Bhopal to the Lap of Nature

From Bhopal to Madhai, MP Shri Darshan Singh Chaudhary, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Maya Singh Narolia, Smt. Preeti Shukla, Yogendra Rajput and Sandesh Purohit travelled by helicopter. For the onward leg from Madhai to Pachmarhi, Pipariya MLA Shri Thakur Das Nagvanshi and Sohagpur MLA Shri Vijay Pal Singh also joined the group.

From Indore to Sacred Pilgrimage Sites

The PM Shri Heli Tourism Service was launched in Indore in a devotional atmosphere. In the first phase, religious flights were started from Indore to Baba Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling in Ujjain and from Ujjain to Omkareshwar.

From the helipad at Bicholi Mardana, the first group of passengers departed in an environment filled with devotion and excitement. Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat flagged off the first group to the holy city of Ujjain. He said that this service marks a new chapter in domestic pilgrimage.

Saints and devotees highly appreciated Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s initiative for this spiritual circuit between Indore, Ujjain and Omkareshwar. They said the service will provide convenience, time savings, and a new and safer travel experience for the large number of pilgrims visiting these shrines. Tourists also described it as a state-of-the-art step in religious tourism that will further strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s identity at the national and international level.

The first group of passengers included MLAs Shri Ramesh Mendola, Shri Mahendra Hardia, Shri Sumit Mishra, Shri Shravan Chawda, media representatives and other devotees. On arrival in Ujjain by heli service, passengers were given a traditional welcome with flower showers. A 10-minute joy ride organised in Ujjain included Mahant Anand Puri Ji, Mahant Mangal Das Ji, Mahant Rameshwar Giri Ji and Mahant Dr. Rameshwar Das Ji.

From Jabalpur to Forest Riches

From Jabalpur, Shri Anil Tiwari and Shri Omnarayan Dubey enjoyed the natural beauty of Kanha and Bandhavgarh. As per the schedule, services from Jabalpur to Amarkantak will commence from 21 November. Tourists will also be able to use the heli service for travel between Jabalpur, Maihar and Chitrakoot.

Sector-wise Major Facilities

Religious Sector: Indore–Ujjain in 20 minutes; Ujjain–Omkareshwar in 40 minutes; Omkareshwar–Indore in 25 minutes. Eco-Tourism Sector: Fast connectivity on the Bhopal–Madhai–Pachmarhi route. Bhopal–Madhai in 40 minutes, Madhai–Pachmarhi in 20 minutes and a direct Bhopal–Pachmarhi flight in 60 minutes. Wildlife Sector: Jabalpur–Maihar in 60 minutes, Maihar–Chitrakoot in 30 minutes, Chitrakoot–Maihar in 30 minutes, Jabalpur–Bandhavgarh in 45 minutes, and Jabalpur–Amarkantak in 60 minutes.

Easy Booking

Tourists can make online bookings at www.flyola.in, air.irctc.co.in/flyola and transbharat.in