Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government is developing the Datana-Matana airstrip in Ujjain into an airport ahead of Simhastha 2028, with the project being undertaken under the Centre’s RCS-UDAN 5.2 scheme.
The airport is being developed with the stated objective of improving air connectivity for pilgrims, tourists and other travellers visiting Ujjain. The state government has set a target of completing the project before Simhastha 2028.
Project Under RCS-UDAN 5.2 Scheme
The development work is being carried out under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN 5.2.
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Key developments include:
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Madhya Pradesh government have signed an MoU for the project.
- Around 120 acres of government land have been transferred to AAI.
- The existing airstrip is being upgraded to support an 1,800-metre runway.
- Provision has been kept for eventually extending the runway to 2,700 metres.
Airport Planned Ahead of Simhastha 2028
The Datana-Matana airport project is part of preparations for Simhastha 2028, which is scheduled to be held in Ujjain.
The government release states that the airport will provide an additional air travel option for people travelling to Ujjain during the religious event.
Madhya Pradesh’s Expanding Airport Network
The state government said Madhya Pradesh had five operational airports in 2023-24, including those in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Khajuraho.
The number increased to eight in 2024-25 following the addition of Rewa, Datia and Satna. Development work is also progressing for a new airport in Shivpuri.
With the completion of the Datana-Matana project, Ujjain is expected to get Madhya Pradesh’s 10th airport. The Centre has also approved the development of five new airports in the state.
Datana-Matana Airstrip
The Datana-Matana airstrip is located in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh and is being upgraded into a full-fledged airport under the RCS-UDAN 5.2 scheme. The existing airstrip is being developed with an initial 1,800-metre runway, with provision to extend it to 2,700 metres.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Madhya Pradesh government have signed an MoU for the project, while around 120 acres of government land have been transferred to AAI.
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