Madhya Pradesh: Guna And Shivpuri Airports To Be Developed Under UDAN Scheme With Rs 45-Crore Allocation

The Ministry of Civil Aviation will upgrade Guna and Shivpuri airports in Madhya Pradesh under the regional connectivity (RCS) scheme, UDAN 5.2.

The RCS, also known as the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik scheme (UDAN), was launched in October 2016 with the aim of taking flying to the masses by improving air connectivity for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and subsidising air travel on these routes.

UDAN 5.2, launched in July 2023, aims to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country and achieve last-mile connectivity through small aircraft such as 1A (with less than nine seats) and Category 1(with less than 20 seats).

Guna Airport, owned by the state government, is set for development under UDAN 5.2 with a Rs 45-crore budget. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will provide crucial services like communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS)/air traffic management (ATM), and also manage the operation and maintenance of the airport.

Likewise, Shivpuri Airport, owned by the state government, will also be developed under UDAN 5.2. The Civil aviation ministry has allocated Rs 45 crore for Shivpuri Airport's development, with AAI providing CNS/ATM/AIS services and managing operations and maintenance.

It is to be noted that the state government is already developing Chorhata Airport in Rewa district, and Datia Airport.

The forthcoming airport developments are poised to greatly enhance air connectivity, not just for Shivpuri and Bhopal but also the neighboring regions. This heightened accessibility is anticipated to catalyse trade, commerce, and tourism, thereby fostering economic growth across the area.