‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’ Launched in Omkareshwar

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav had launched the “PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’’ on the occasion of the 70th Foundation Day of Madhya Pradesh to enhance air connectivity and provide swift, convenient and safe facilities to tourists. Under this initiative, five pilgrims arrived in Omkareshwar on Friday via helicopter from Ujjain, landing at the Kothi village helipad in Khandwa district. Khandwa MP Shri Gyaneshwar Patil and Mandhata MLA Shri Narayan Patel welcomed the pilgrims with garlands. The group later visited the Omkareshwar Temple and offered prayers at the Jyotirlinga.

On the occasion, MP Shri Patil said that the day marks a moment of pride for the people of Khandwa district and Omkareshwar. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, significant development works have been accomplished over the past 11 years. All 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in the country have now been linked through tourist circuits and air travel facilities. With the launch of this service, pilgrims will be able to visit the Jyotirlingas in much less time. He added that those who earlier could not visit Omkareshwar due to time constraints will now be able to travel conveniently to both Omkareshwar and Ujjain using the helicopter service.

Shri Patil further stated that development works in Omkareshwar are progressing continuously under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. The Ekta Dham project is taking shape, and beautification of ghats along the Narmada River is underway. Before Simhastha 2028, Omkareshwar will be connected by a four-lane road, and the Omkareshwar Road Railway Station will also become operational soon, providing significant convenience to travellers arriving by rail. He thanked Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for launching the PM Shri Heli Tourism Service.

MLA Shri Patel stated that Chief Minister Dr Yadav has introduced development schemes that benefit every community and section of society. With this initiative, Omkareshwar has now been connected by air as well. Considering the increasing number of visitors arriving by air, additional helicopter service rounds will be added in the future to extend the benefit to more passengers. He noted that continued development works in Omkareshwar have significantly increased the inflow of devotees, thereby boosting the income of local businesses.

Additional Collector Smt. Srishti Deshmukh Gaud informed that the new service will enable tourists to cover more destinations in less time. A key feature of the service is the drastically reduced travel time between Ujjain and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga—now possible in just 20 to 40 minutes. The estimated fare for the 20-minute Indore–Ujjain flight is ₹5,000; the Ujjain–Omkareshwar 40-minute flight is ₹6,500; and the Omkareshwar–Indore return flight is approximately ₹5,500. By availing this service, devotees can conveniently visit both Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas on the same day.