TV
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi unveiled a series of initiatives to strengthen the state’s aviation sector at the Eastern Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference held in Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Majhi announced that under the state government’s flagship initiative B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network), a Cadet Pilot Program will soon be launched to provide pilot training to tribal girls.
On this occasion, the state government signed an agreement with Air Works, one of the country’s leading aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) service providers. As per the agreement, a modern MRO facility will be set up at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The Chief Minister further stated that this partnership will not only strengthen aviation infrastructure in Odisha but also create avenues for skill development, training, and employment opportunities for the youth of the state.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that a world-class international airport is coming up in Puri, which will serve as a spiritual and cultural gateway for millions of Jagannath devotees across the globe. He further informed that land has been arranged for the expansion of the Jharsuguda Airport.
In the last 14 months since the formation of the new government, Odisha’s airports have been connected with 15 new destinations. The Chief Minister stated that this policy has been successful in linking Odisha with the national and international aviation network. He added that the state is also focusing on creating opportunities and skill development in this sector to take Odisha forward, and a world-class aviation training centre will soon be established at Birasal in Dhenkanal district.
The Chief Minister announced that a State-of-the-Art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Centre is being established in Bhubaneswar. Alongside this, the state government is set to introduce a Progressive Land Allotment Policy for airports across the state.
Under this policy, airports will facilitate flying training, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) training, and aero-sports activities. A large number of flying training institutes are expected to operate from these airports. The government is also working on upgrading unused airstrips into fully functional airports. A total of 14 airports will be developed, and in districts without an airport, 15 heliports will be set up, the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the UDAN scheme, which he said has truly democratized aviation and opened new horizons for Eastern India. He emphasized that aviation is not limited to airports and airlines alone, but is a unique initiative that connects people’s dreams with opportunities, strengthens the economy, and contributes to realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047. The Prime Minister’s relentless efforts towards building a developed nation by 2047 continue to inspire the country, he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity in Odisha, Union Civil Aviation Minister, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even those wearing ‘Hawai chappals’ will now get the opportunity to fly. The government is fully dedicated to making this dream a reality and will extend all possible support to enhance Odisha’s aviation infrastructure. The Minister further reiterated that sustained efforts are underway to boost connectivity and fulfill the aspirations of the people of Odisha.
