Madhya Pradesh: Civil Aviation Minister Scindia Lays Foundation Stone Of Rs 50 Crore Datia Airport

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, laid the foundation stone of Datia Airport in Madhya Pradesh on Monday (21 August).

The airport is being developed at a cost of around Rs 50 crore and is expected to be completed by February 2024.

The development involves the renovation of the existing 1,810-m runway and construction of an apron which can house two 19-seater aircraft and a terminal building of 750 sqm and an ATC tower.

The terminal building will have the capacity to accommodate 100 passengers during peak hours.

The development of Datia airstrip into an airport has been a long-time demand that is being fulfilled now.

As a part of the Ude Desh Ke Aam Nagrik (UDAN)-regional connectivity scheme (RCS), Datia Airport once operational will enhance regional connectivity, provide necessary amenities and facilities to people, and contribute to the overall growth of the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Scindia said that civil aviation will not only connect the big cities but also the religious shrines of the country.

"A new airport has been built in Deogarh and multiple new airports are being developed in other parts of the country. Now, the development of Datia airport will be completed soon. As soon as it is developed, flights connecting Khajuraho and Bhopal will be operationalised. These routes have already been awarded under RCS-UDAN," Scindia added.

The Minister appreciated and thanked Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and the state government for their cooperation for the development of the region.

In Madhya Pradesh, aircraft movement (per week) has gone from 506 (in 2014) to 554 (in 2021) — to 956 currently — a jump of 72.5 per cent (in comparison to 2021) and 89 per cent (in comparison to 2014).

The development work at Datia Airport is expected to also help promote tourism in the region.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was graced by senior ministers from Madhya Pradesh and senior officials from Airports Authority of India.