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Bhopal, Oct 30 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government will launch ‘PM Shri Air Tourism’ helicopter service on November 1, the state’s foundation day, to boost air connectivity between major tourist destinations across the state, Tourism Minister Dharmendra Lodhi announced on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, the minister said the new service, operated under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, will be formally launched at a formal event at Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav along with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu will flag off three helicopters for the launch of ‘PM Shri Air Tourism’ service.
Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Shiv Shekhar Shukla, who also attended the press briefing, said Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to launch inter-state air connectivity through such a structured tourism-centric initiative.
Giving more details, Shukla said the helicopter service would operate five days a week in major tourist areas of the state.
“Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has entered into a three-year agreement with M/s Trans Bharat Aviation for Sector 1 and M/s Jet Serv Aviation Pvt Ltd for Sectors 2 and 3. In the initial phase, private operators will operate helicopters with a seating capacity of a minimum of six passengers in each sector,” he said.
Shukla, who is also the managing director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB), said the initiative is expected to open new vistas in adventure, heritage and spiritual tourism, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience for both domestic and international tourists.
He said regular operations will begin from November 20, covering major cities and major tourist destinations including Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Pachmarhi and Rewa.
“This service will not only improve regional air connectivity but also make travel between tourism hotspots faster and more convenient,” Shukla said.
The ‘PM Shri Air Tourism’ helicopter service launched by the Madhya Pradesh government aims to strengthen inter-state air connectivity and promote tourism at key destinations. Operated under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the service will connect cities including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Pachmarhi and Rewa.
The initiative will operate five days a week with a minimum capacity of six passengers. Officials said the project will open new avenues in adventure, heritage and spiritual tourism, increasing accessibility for domestic and international travellers.
–IANS
PD/PGH