Madhya Pradesh Becomes First State to Launch Helicopter Tourism Service on Foundation Day

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), November 1, 2025: In a landmark development to promote tourism and improve regional air connectivity, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to introduce an intra-state helicopter tourism service. The ‘PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service’, inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on the state’s 70th Foundation Day, aims to connect major tourist, spiritual, and wildlife destinations across the state.

Flagging off the inaugural flight at Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal, CM Yadav said the initiative would redefine tourism in Madhya Pradesh by combining faith, adventure, and accessibility. “We are not just connecting places but also hearts and experiences. This service will strengthen tourism, generate employment, and promote local products through homestays and rural tourism,” he said.

The service marks India’s first structured, state-run helicopter tourism initiative, offering faster and more scenic access to remote destinations. Three helicopters were launched during the inaugural event, with regular operations set to begin on November 20.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu joined the ceremony and lauded the state’s efforts to expand intra-state aviation. He said, “India’s aviation sector is among the fastest growing in the world, with 164 airports today compared to just 74 in 2014. A new airport is being built every 45 days, and airlines have placed orders for 1,700 new aircraft, creating massive opportunities in the aviation industry.”

 

PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service: Connecting Pilgrimage, Wildlife & Heritage Destinations

The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service (also called PM Shri Hawai Paryatan Sewa) will operate in three tourism sectors, covering major destinations across western, central, and eastern Madhya Pradesh. Each helicopter will have six seats and operate five days a week, reducing travel time between destinations from hours to minutes.

The state has partnered with private aviation operators under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model —

 

• M/s Trans Bharat Aviation will operate Sector 1
• M/s Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. will handle Sectors 2 and 3 under a three-year contract

 

Three Tourism Sectors and Key Routes

Sector 1 – Western Madhya Pradesh:

 Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuvantia, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda, Bhopal, Jabalpur.

Sector 2 – Central Madhya Pradesh:

 Bhopal, Madai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno, Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Betul, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur.

Sector 3 – Eastern Madhya Pradesh:

Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakoot, Sarsi, Parsuli, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench, Dindori, Bhopal, Indore.

For instance, the Bhopal–Pachmarhi journey, which usually takes around five hours by road, will now take just 45–50 minutes by helicopter.

 

Boost to Tourism, Economy, and Local Communities

The helicopter tourism service is expected to revolutionize travel across Madhya Pradesh by offering tourists easy access to iconic destinations such as Ujjain, Khajuraho, Orchha, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Amarkantak.

Tour packages will include round-trip helicopter rides, accommodation, local transportation, meals, and guides, creating a convenient and premium travel experience.

The initiative is also aligned with Madhya Pradesh’s goal of sustainable and inclusive tourism, encouraging eco-tourism, rural marketing, and homestays that benefit local communities.

 

New Aviation Developments Announced

Alongside the helicopter service, several aviation and tourism projects were unveiled:
An MoU was signed between the Central and State Governments for the construction of an airport in Ujjain.

A new flight route from Rewa to Delhi was announced, with operations to be managed by Alliance Air under the Union Aviation Ministry.

IndiGo Airlines signed an agreement to launch a Rewa–Indore flight service soon.

At Raja Bhoj Airport, CM Yadav also inaugurated DIGI Yatra, Fly Library, and a Kids Play Zone, aimed at improving passenger facilities and digital convenience for travelers.

 

Towards “Prosperous MP @ 2047” Vision

The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service is a part of the state’s long-term “Prosperous MP @ 2047” vision, which aims to position Madhya Pradesh as a national hub for heritage, adventure, and spiritual tourism.

With this initiative, the Heart of Incredible India takes a pioneering step toward transforming travel within the state — blending tradition with technology, and accessibility with experience.