Madhya Pradesh: Cabinet approves helicopter service plan to boost tourism, connectivity

The Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled a new helicopter service plan targeting three strategic sectors in the state to boost tourism and regional connectivity.

Designed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the initiative aims to connect significant cultural, religious and commercial destinations via air travel, enhancing the state's tourism landscape.

According to Kailash Vijayvargiya, State Urban Development Minister, this approach will make Madhya Pradesh one of the first states in India to adopt such a strategy, IANS reported.

Speaking to ANI, Vijayvargiya announced that the cabinet had approved a helicopter service plan on Tuesday, September 23, to boost tourism.

“We have created three tourism sectors in which helicopter services will be available from Indore and Bhopal in the state. Helicopter services will be started on a PPP model, ensuring that the number of tourists continues to increase,” he added.

#WATCH | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya says, "We have created three tourism sectors on which helicopter services will be available from Indore and Bhopal in the state. Helicopter

services will be started on a PPP model, ensuring that the number of tourists… pic.twitter.com/05DvaDFHmc

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday and will connect more than 36 cities and tourist destinations like Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Bandhavgarh and others.

Sector 1 covers Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuman, Khandwa, and Bhopal, focusing on historical significance and scenic beauty.

Sector 2 connects Bhopal with Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, and other destinations, supporting heritage tourism and pilgrimage circuits.

With a focus on eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, Sector 3 links Jabalpur, Kanha National Park, Chitrapur, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, and other destinations, targeting eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Featured in all three sectors, Indore is being positioned as the aviation and commercial hub of Central India. With existing helicopter services in place in the city, the extension is intended to boost both tourism and business travel.

According to officials, the improved air connectivity will reduce travel time and also boost economic activity in remote and underdeveloped locations.