Madhya Pradesh became the first state in the country to launch intra-state air services with the introduction of PM Shri Hawai Paryatan Helicopter Sewa on its 70th Foundation Day on Saturday.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav flagged off the inaugural flight at Raja Bhoj Airport, marking a new milestone in the state’s tourism and connectivity efforts.
The helicopter service will operate across three tourism sectors, beginning regular operations from November 20, five days a week.
CM Yadav said the initiative will transform travel within Madhya Pradesh by offering faster, more comfortable access to major tourist destinations. He added that the project blends faith, spirituality, and tourism, while generating employment and supporting local products through homestays and rural marketing.
Currently, travel from Bhopal to Pachmarhi takes nearly five hours by road; the new service will reduce it to about 45–50 minutes. Agreements have been signed with Trans Bharat Aviation for Sector 1 and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt Ltd for Sectors 2 and 3. Each contract, valid for three years, allows private operators to run six-seater passenger helicopters.
During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated several tourism and aviation facilities at Raja Bhoj Airport, including DIGI Yatra, Fly Library, and a Kids Play Zone. He said these initiatives would enhance passenger convenience and promote a modern travel experience.
Helicopter Service Sectors:
- Sector 1: Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuvantia, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda, Bhopal, Jabalpur.
- Sector 2: Bhopal, Madai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno, Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Betul, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur.
- Sector 3: Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakot, Sarsi, Parsuli, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench, Dindori, Bhopal, Indore.
Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who attended the Foundation Day celebrations earlier, could not join the flag-off event as he returned to Andhra Pradesh following a temple stampede that claimed 10 lives.
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