Madhya Pradesh Launches PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service to Boost Intra-State Connectivity
Madhya Pradesh has introduced the PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service to enhance tourism and improve regional air connectivity. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the service at Raja Bhoj International Airport, Bhopal, marking the beginning of intra-state air travel within the state.
After the ceremonial flag-off, four helicopters departed for Ujjain, marking the start of operations. Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trust & Endowment Minister (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi also attended the event. Managed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, the service will connect key tourist, religious, and wildlife destinations through scheduled routes. Regular operations are scheduled to begin on November 20, 2025, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, the Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, as well as the Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, announced that the PM Shri Tourism Air Service, launched about a year ago, has already facilitated travel for over 10,000 passengers. He stated that the new helicopter service will further enhance access across the diverse regions of Madhya Pradesh and support the state’s tourism growth.
Operations Across Three Sectors
To improve connectivity between major tourist destinations, pilgrimage sites, and national parks, the service will operate across three tourism sectors, five days a week in each sector. Contracts have been signed for three years with M/s Trans Bharat Aviation for Sector 1 and M/s Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. for Sectors 2 and 3.
Each sector will begin with helicopters having a minimum seating capacity of six passengers.
Sector 1: Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuwantiya, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda, Bhopal, and Jabalpur
Sector 2: Bhopal, Madhai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno (Sheopur), Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Betul, Tikamgarh, and Jabalpur
Sector 3: Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakoot, Sarsi, Parsuli, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench, Dindori, Bhopal, and Indore
Integrated Travel Services
The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service aims to provide a coordinated travel experience. Passengers can book transport to the helipad, hotel stays, temple visits, guided tours, and wildlife excursions as part of the package. Return travel is also included, offering travellers an organized and convenient way to explore different parts of Madhya Pradesh.
With this initiative, the state government seeks to expand access to its tourism destinations and strengthen its position as a key travel hub in India.
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