Madhya Pradesh to Build One Airport Every 150 km to Boost Tourism and Economy
Madhya Pradesh is embarking on an ambitious plan to revolutionise its transportation and tourism sectors by targeting the construction of one airport every 150 kilometres across the state by 2030. The initiative is part of the state’s newly unveiled aviation policy, which is designed to improve connectivity, enhance religious tourism, and promote economic growth.
Speaking at a press conference following the cabinet meeting, Kailash Vijayvargiya, Minister for Urban Administration, outlined the key features of the policy. He explained that the development of civil aviation infrastructure would play a pivotal role in the state’s economy, particularly by boosting tourism and facilitating air cargo movements. The policy is also aligned with the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel accessible to more people and connect smaller cities with major hubs. The policy’s main objective is to improve access to religious and cultural destinations across the state, helping to draw more tourists to Madhya Pradesh, a state rich in historical and religious sites. According to Vijayvargiya, the policy envisions the construction of airports at intervals of 150 km, airstrips within 75 km, and helipads within a 45 km radius to facilitate air travel for both passengers and cargo.
Vijayvargiya also emphasised the potential economic benefits of these developments. “Madhya Pradesh is landlocked, with ports far away. The development of civil aviation will ensure timely transportation of our products, particularly perishable goods like vegetables and fruits, to international markets, including those in the Middle East,” he said. The introduction of better connectivity will also generate significant employment opportunities, with the minister highlighting the fact that every job created at an airport typically leads to four more jobs in the surrounding economy. Beyond aviation, the cabinet also approved the MSME Development Policy-2025, which aims to foster growth in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in backward areas. Under this policy, the state government has introduced several incentives, including up to 40% financial assistance for investment promotion and 48% financial assistance for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. There will also be aid of up to Rs 1.3 crore for unit set-up in backward regions, as well as export incentives, which include up to 52% assistance on freight charges for MSMEs involved in exports.
Furthermore, the state is making strides in promoting start-ups, with the Madhya Pradesh Start-up Policy and Implementation Scheme-2025 aiming to double the number of start-ups in the state from 5,000 to 10,000 over the next five years. A new mega incubation centre, developed under a public-private partnership with leading national and international institutions, will support these efforts. In addition, the Integrated Township Policy 2025 has been introduced to allow individuals, including farmer groups, to build their own townships. This marks a shift away from traditional models where only developers and colonisers could undertake such projects.
These ambitious policies represent a concerted effort by the Madhya Pradesh government to not only enhance infrastructure but also to stimulate economic activity across various sectors. By focusing on religious tourism, air connectivity, and the growth of MSMEs and start-ups, the state is positioning itself as a growing hub for both business and tourism. The development of civil aviation and support for MSMEs and start-ups are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Madhya Pradesh. The target of one airport every 150 km could make the state a key player in India’s aviation landscape, while also driving economic growth and employment.
