Raipur, March 30: A significant development in air connectivity has emerged in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai inaugurated direct flight services from Ambikapur’s Maa Mahamaya Airport to Delhi and Kolkata on Monday. The inauguration was conducted virtually from Raipur, while local MP Chintamani flagged off the flight at the airport in Darima.
The Darima Airport in Ambikapur is not new; it was established in 1950 and has undergone several upgrades over the years. In 2021, it was developed to accommodate 72-seater aircraft. Under the new flight services, there will be two weekly flights to Delhi and two to Kolkata, with a stop in Bilaspur on both routes.
Regarding fares, the ticket price for the Ambikapur to Delhi flight is set at approximately ₹6,500, while the fare to Kolkata is around ₹6,000. Flights to Kolkata will commence on April 2, operating on Thursdays and Saturdays.
This new service has generated considerable excitement among the residents of Ambikapur and the entire Surguja division, which is predominantly tribal. There has been a long-standing demand for improved connectivity in this region. Locals express that this will alleviate long travel times, save time, and reduce fatigue. Additionally, it is expected to open new avenues for business, tourism, and employment.
As for the flight schedule, on Mondays, the flight from Delhi departs at 7:50 AM, arriving in Bilaspur at 10:25 AM, and then reaches Ambikapur at 11:40 AM. The return flight departs Ambikapur at 12:05 PM, landing in Delhi around 2:35 PM. A similar schedule will be followed on Wednesdays, with slight route adjustments.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai mentioned plans to introduce flights to Ayodhya and Varanasi from Ambikapur in the future. He also stated that airports in Jagdalpur, Raigarh, and other smaller towns would be further developed to enhance the state’s air network.
He announced that a cargo airport would soon be established at Raipur Airport, with a memorandum of understanding already signed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Maa Mahamaya Airport on October 20, 2024. This airport, spread over 365 acres, was developed at a cost of approximately ₹800 million. It is anticipated that this will accelerate the development of the Surguja region.
In another significant move, on Sunday, Chief Minister Sai also launched night flight operations at Bilasa Devi Kewat Airport in Bilaspur. He personally traveled on the first night flight from Bilaspur to Raipur. The DGCA granted permission for night operations at this airport on February 6.
He noted that the initiation of night flights would facilitate emergency and medical services during the night, while also significantly boosting business, investment, and tourism.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment