Bhopal/Indore: Mohan Yadav on Sunday inaugurated Terminal-1 of Lokmata Ahilyabai International Airport in Indore, describing it as a major step in strengthening air connectivity for the city and the wider Malwa region.
Addressing the inaugural function, the Chief Minister said the new terminal reflects the state government’s commitment to public welfare, inspired by Ahilyabai Holkar and guided by the leadership of Narendra Modi.
He stated that Prime Minister Modi’s vision has completely transformed India’s aviation sector, making air travel affordable and accessible even for ordinary citizens.
‘Air Travel Has Reached the Common Citizen’
Mohan Yadav said India’s aviation growth has accelerated at an unprecedented pace under the Centre’s policies. He remarked that air travel, once considered inaccessible for many, has now reached every social segment, adding that even the common citizen symbolised by the phrase “hawai chappal wearer” can now afford to fly.
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Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu joined the inauguration virtually and participated in the formal launch of the terminal.
New Terminal Built Under ₹50 Crore Redevelopment Project
According to officials, the new terminal has been developed under the Indore airport redevelopment project at an estimated cost of nearly ₹50 crore.
The renovated and expanded facility includes:
• Capacity to handle around 400 passengers per hour
• 14 check-in counters
• Seating for approximately 300 passengers
• Built-up area of nearly 6,000 square metres
• Annual passenger handling capacity of 1.5 million passengers (1.5 MMPA)
• Operations support for 18 flights
• Parking facility for 150 four-wheelers
• Dedicated VIP room
Passengers to Get World-Class Facilities
The Chief Minister said the terminal has been designed to provide world-class passenger facilities and better crowd management.
A spacious waiting area has been created to manage high passenger volume during peak hours.
A new Udaan Passenger Cafe has also been introduced where passengers will be able to buy:
• Tea for ₹10
• Breakfast for ₹20
Indore Airport Receives International Quality Recognition
During the event, the Chief Minister also handed over a quality certificate awarded to Indore airport by an American quality council, recognising the airport’s service standards and operational facilities.
He congratulated airport officials for achieving international recognition.
Air Ambulance Service Strengthened in Madhya Pradesh
Mohan Yadav said the state has also launched air ambulance services to help critically ill patients reach advanced medical facilities quickly. He said aviation infrastructure is increasingly being linked with emergency healthcare delivery in the state.
Target: Commercial Airport Every 150 km
The Chief Minister outlined the state’s larger aviation roadmap, saying Madhya Pradesh currently has:
• 8 airports
• 20 airstrips
• 220 helipads
He added that airports have recently become operational in:
• Rewa
• Satna
• Datia
Preparations are underway for new airports in:
• Ujjain
• Shivpuri
This will increase the total number of airports in the state to 10.
He said the state government’s long-term target is:
• A commercial airport every 150 km
• An airstrip every 75 km
• A helipad every 45 km
Madhya Pradesh Emerging as Logistics Hub
The Chief Minister said parallel growth in roads, railways and aviation is helping transform Madhya Pradesh into a logistics hub. He highlighted central assistance for expressways and road connectivity as key drivers of this transformation.
Public Representatives Present at Event
The programme was attended by:
• Shankar Lalwani
• Tulsiram Silawat
• Mahendra Hardia
• Usha Thakur
• Malini Gaud
• Pushyamitra Bhargav
along with senior officials and citizens.
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