Madhya Pradesh is finalising a new aviation policy aimed at attracting investment, strengthening air connectivity and expanding tourism and emergency services. According to officials, the draft was discussed at a meeting of the Senior Secretaries Committee at Vallabh Bhawan, chaired by Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal. Senior officials from Aviation, Urban Development and Housing, Finance and other departments attended the meeting. The draft proposes an investment-friendly framework, including incentives for companies setting up units in the state to manufacture aircraft and helicopter equipment and components.

 

The proposals include support on land, power and water, officials said. The draft also proposes encouragement for pilot training schools and training centres, besides measures to strengthen the air network and aviation infrastructure. The policy builds on the Civil Aviation Policy-2025, under which the State has set a target of an airport every 150 km, an airstrip every 75 km and a helipad every 45 km. Madhya Pradesh currently has eight operational airports, more than 20 airstrips and around 220 helipads, with airports at Ujjain and Shivpuri under development.

 

The meeting also reviewed the state government’s VIP fleet. The Government’s new Bombardier Challenger 3500 jet arrived in Bhopal on October 19 and is awaiting DGCA flying clearance, expected by late November or the first week of December. Officials said that the new Airbus ACH160 helicopter is now expected by December. It will arrive in dismantled form, with parts shipped to Mumbai port, assembled in Noida, and then flown to Bhopal after flight tests and clearances. Earlier reports had put its delivery in November.