Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): With licences in place, Datia and Satna airports in Madhya Pradesh are now ready for operation. The state aviation department is considering requesting a time slot from the Prime Minister’s Office to facilitate the formal inauguration by PM Narendra Modi.
Currently, Madhya Pradesh has six operational airports – Bhopal, Indore, Rewa, Khajuraho, Jabalpur and Gwalior. With the addition of Datia and Satna, the total number will increase to eight. The expansion is expected to result in increased flight frequency and give a major boost to the state’s tourism industry.
A senior official of the aviation department said, “We want operation of both Datia and Satna airports to start at the earliest.”
The Datia airport has been developed for landing of ATR-72 aircraft, while the Satna airport can handle aircraft with a seating capacity of around 20 passengers.
Earlier, there were speculations that Prime Minister might virtually inaugurate the Satna airport during his visit to Bhopal for the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in February. However, the inauguration did not take place. While Satna airport had received its operational licence earlier, Datia got clearance last month.
7 small airports proposed
Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), seven small airports are proposed across Madhya Pradesh to enhance air travel access in remote regions. These airports will support 20-seater aircraft and will be developed in Shivpuri, Ujjain, Shahdol, Mandla, Chhindwara, Neemuch and Khandwa.
Sources in the aviation department said that airstrips will be expanded, and the land acquisition process is underway. Construction work for Shivpuri and Ujjain airports is expected to begin shortly.
