STATE has some around 17-18 airports and airstrips but only a very few running with optimum capacity. Almost all the airports are not operating with full capacity.

 

The number of unused airstrips hasn’t changed since several years. In a recent development, Fly Bharathi Aviation and Aeronautics Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expressing its interest in investing Rs 750 crore with an intent to develop airport at Ujjain, and/or at other strategic location in Madhya Pradesh. Needless to mention that there is a need to enhance nation’s aviation ecosystem keeping strategic focus on infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and innovation. Government aims to bridge gaps in air travel accessibility, fostering economic and social progress. Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that under the new civil aviation policy of the State, a ‘pucca’ helipad will be built at every 45 km radius along with an airport at every 150 km radius. As far as Ujjain strip is concern this MoU may take shape on ground.

 

This will be the eighth airport in the State. Moreover, in anticipation of the 2028-Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain (CM’s hometown)- People are hopeful about its completion. But how about other unused airstrips in the state. Unlike erstwhile Government’s efforts, Dr. Yadav’s Government has been successful in attracting private players to utilise unused airstrips and helipads in the region, preferably single-engine aircraft operators, here. Experts find it difficult in view of exorbitant fuel charges and passengers inflow, that other strips or airports will soon get private takers. Earlier, schemes were launched to connect one developed and remotely situated airstrips but the proposal got disappointing response. Now the main question remains- will Government’s initiative in the aviation sector remain sustain or not.