Bhopal: In a historic move to boost air connectivity and promote tourism, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the ‘PMShri Heli Tourism Service’ today. The launch was marked by traditional fanfare, music, and a warm welcome from local communities, creating a celebratory atmosphere across the state. This innovative initiative aims to provide fast, convenient, and affordable helicopter travel to key religious, cultural, natural, and wildlife destinations in Madhya Pradesh.
First Flights: A Landmark Day
The inaugural flights connected three major sectors:
- Bhopal to Madhei to Pachmarhi
- Indore to Ujjain to Omkareshwar
- Jabalpur to Kanha and Bandhavgarh
The flights were accompanied by local representatives, dignitaries, and religious leaders, marking a significant milestone in the state’s tourism history.
Enhancing Religious, Cultural, and Wildlife Tourism
State Minister for Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts, and Dharma Revenue (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi said the heli service will provide a faster, comfortable, and cost-effective travel option for spiritual, natural, and wildlife tourism. The new network is expected to save valuable time for travelers while boosting employment and investment in the state.
Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, emphasized that the heli service connects prominent religious, cultural, wildlife, and natural destinations. Affordable fares and short travel times make this service highly attractive for domestic and international tourists.
Bhopal to Nature’s Heart: Madhei and Pachmarhi
The first flight from Bhopal to Madhei included MPs Darshan Singh Chaudhary, Maya Singh Narolia, Preeti Shukla, Yogendra Rajput, and Sandesh Purohit. From Madhei to Pachmarhi, the flight included Pipariya MLA Thakur Das Nagwanshi and Sohagpur MLA Vijay Pal Singh.
Indore to Sacred Pilgrimages
In Indore, the service was inaugurated with a devotional atmosphere, connecting Indore to Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and onward to Omkareshwar. The first batch of passengers departed from Bicholi Mardana heli-pad under the guidance of Water Resources Minister Tulsi Ram Silawat. Minister Silawat noted that this service opens a new chapter in religious tourism, offering convenience, safety, and time savings for devotees.
The first passengers, including MLA Ramesh Mendola, Mahendra Hardia, Sumit Mishra, Shravan Chawda, and media personnel, received a traditional welcome and floral shower upon reaching Ujjain. A 10-minute joy-ride ceremony featured Mahants Anand Puri, Mangal Das, Rameshwar Giri, and Dr. Rameshwar Das.
Jabalpur to Wildlife Destinations
From Jabalpur, passengers Anil Tiwari and Omnarayan Dubey experienced the natural beauty of Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The heli service to Amarkantak will begin on November 21, and flights to Maihar and Chitrakoot are also planned, providing tourists with easier access to prominent wildlife and eco-tourism locations.
Sector-wise Connectivity and Travel Time
- Religious Sector: Indore–Ujjain (20 mins), Ujjain–Omkareshwar (40 mins), Omkareshwar–Indore (25 mins)
- Eco-Tourism Sector: Bhopal–Madhei (40 mins), Madhei–Pachmarhi (20 mins), Bhopal–Pachmarhi direct (60 mins)
- Wildlife Sector: Jabalpur–Maihar (60 mins), Maihar–Chitrakoot (30 mins), Chitrakoot–Maihar (30 mins), Jabalpur–Bandhavgarh (45 mins), Jabalpur–Amarkantak (60 mins)
Easy Booking for Tourists
Tourists can book flights online via www.flyola.in, IRCTC Flyola, or TransBharat portals, making the service convenient and accessible for travelers.
This launch marks a new chapter in Madhya Pradesh’s tourism sector, providing rapid air connectivity, promoting religious, cultural, and eco-tourism, and positioning the state as a premier destination for domestic and international travelers.
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