Mar 30 Regular commercial flight operations commenced on Monday from Maa Mahamaya Airport in Surguja district, connecting Ambikapur with Delhi and Kolkata, marking a major step forward in regional air connectivity. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai formally inaugurated the services virtually from Chandkhuri Police Academy, along with Vijay Sharma. Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Sai said the State Government is working steadily to connect major cities with air services so that air travel becomes accessible to all. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a future where even a person wearing simple ‘Hawai Chappal’ can afford air travel, adding that this vision is now becoming a reality in Chhattisgarh. He congratulated the people of the Surguja region stating that the service became possible due to the efforts of public representatives and the local Member of Parliament. Direct connectivity with Delhi and Kolkata will boost trade, tourism, and economic activity in the region, he added. He said air services in the state are being expanded on a continuous basis. Night landing has recently started at Bilaspur Airport. Provision has also been made in the budget under the ‘CG Vayu’ scheme to support domestic air operations. Cargo services at Raipur Airport will help local products reach national and international markets, said Sai. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma also spoke on the occasion. Rajesh Agrawal and Chintamani Maharaj expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for starting air connectivity between Ambikapur and Delhi.

 

Surguja Collector Ajit Vasant proposed the vote of thanks. MLA Pramod Minj, Ambikapur Mayor Manjusha Bhagat, senior officials and others were present. With the commencement of air services from Darima Airport, regional connectivity in northern Chhattisgarh is expected to receive a significant boost and open new avenues of development. The first flight from Ambikapur to Delhi departed at around 12.05 pm. According to Airport Director Sushil Kumar Shrivastava, a total of 46 passengers travelled from Ambikapur to Delhi on the inaugural flight, while 14 passengers arrived from Delhi.Alliance Air has commenced operations using a 72-seater ATR aircraft. Flights between Ambikapur and Delhi will operate twice a week—on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Monday the flight will depart from Delhi at 7:50 am and arrive at Bilaspur at 10:25 am, depart at 10:50 am, and arrive at Ambikapur 11:35 am. The return flight departs Ambikapur at 12:05 pm and reaches Delhi at 2:35 pm. On Wednesday direct departure from Delhi at 7:50 am and reach Ambikapur at 10:25 am; onward departure from Ambikapur at 10:50 am to Bilaspur at 11:35 am; departure from Bilaspur at 12:00 pm arriving in Delhi at 2:40 pm. Flights between Ambikapur and Kolkata will also operate twice a week. On Saturday the flight will depart from Kolkata at 7:05 am, arrive at Bilaspur at 8:55 am, depart at 9:20 am reaching Ambikapur at 10:00 am; return departure at 10:25 am reaching Kolkata at 12:15 pm. The schedule for Thursday is direct departure from Kolkata at 7:05 am reaching Ambikapur at 8:50 am; onward departure at 9:15 am to Bilaspur at 9:55 am; departure from Bilaspur at 10:20 am arriving in Kolkata at 12:05 pm.

 

The airport has been developed under the Centre’s UDAN Scheme. Originally built in 1950, the runway has been extended from 1,500 metres to 1,800 metres, enabling ATR aircraft operations. Spread over nearly 365 acres, the airport was upgraded with an approved expenditure of 48.25 crore for civil and electrification works in accordance with DGCA standards. The terminal building has been upgraded to handle 72 passengers at a time. A four-lane access road and parking space for about 100 vehicles have also been developed.