To enhance intra-state air connectivity, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated State Government’s ambitious plan of ‘PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva’. CM Yadav flagged off first intra-state flight services from Bhopal to Jabalpur on Thursday. In a token of launching of this scheme, he also distributed boarding passes to passengers and inaugurated a ticket-booking counter, marking the commencement of this new air service. With the launch of this service, several major cities in the State, including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Rewa, Khajuraho, and Singrauli, will now be inter-connected by air, officials said.

 

This initiative is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity and promote tourism and business travel within the State. To encourage initial adoption, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) announced a 50% discount on fare for the first 30 days. Some travellers have noted that the discounted fare of the new air service is only slightly higher than the fare of the Vande Bharat Express, making it a viable and faster alternative. The air service significantly reduces travel time between key cities. For instance, the journey from Bhopal to Indore, which typically takes several hours by train or road, will now take just 55 minutes by air.

 

Based on the initial response, the Tourism Department may expand the service. These are six-seater twin-engine planes, but in future it can be upgraded to 11-seater and then 20-seater aircraft to accommodate more passengers. It is being said that the aircraft meet international safety standards and that the service will be regular and competitively priced. “These planes are very safe and meet international standards. We are going to provide the best and regular service at competitive prices.