Travelling within Madhya Pradesh will become easier after the state’s tourism department announced increased air services under the PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) is partnering with FlyOla air taxis to ensure fast, comfortable and affordable journeys between Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Rewa, Singrauli and Ujjain. Flight reservations can be made at booking counters located in Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur or through the FlyOla website. Operations will commence from June 13, 2024, and visitors will be able to avail of a 50 per cent discount in the first month.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav flagged off the first flight from Bhopal under the PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva. It took off from Bhopal, stopped at Rewa and Jabalpur, before finally landing at Singrauli. The chief minister also inaugurated the ticket-booking counter at Bhopal Airport and handed over the boarding passes and souvenirs to passengers. The air service currently has two six-seater aircraft in its fleet.
The move is designed to boost tourism to Madhya Pradesh after it witnessed a record-breaking number of visitors in 2023. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, said the launch of the country's first intra-state air service marked an important and unforgettable day.
The managing director of the MPTB, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Yadav, the tourism department is continuously innovating to improve and ease the connectivity between the tourist destinations of the state, and to expand tourism facilities. He said that along with the tourism sector, the air service will also benefit trade, health, education and the promotion of culture and art in the state.
Efforts are also being made to connect both the Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingas with the air service so that devotees can pay their respects at the sites in less time than it takes to fly from Indore or Bhopal. Religious places like Orchha, Salkanpur, Katni and Datia will also be connected by air for a memorable spiritual journey. The chief minister will flag off the air service from Ujjain on June 16.
The MPTB said there are plans to increase the number of cities currently on offer under the program. Those wishing to utilise the air taxis or find out more about the scheme can call the toll-free number of 18004199006.