Madhya Pradesh
Airports Inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh under UDAN Scheme
- 03 Jun 2025
- 6 min read
Why in News?
The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Satna Airport and the upgraded Datia Airport in Madhya Pradesh, taking a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity and advancing infrastructure development under the UDAN scheme.
Key Points
- Satna Airport:
- Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of Rs 36.96 crore, Satna Airport is set to become a key regional hub in northeast Madhya Pradesh.
- The airport will enhance connectivity to prominent destinations such as Chitrakoot and Maihar, strengthening both cultural and industrial linkages.
- Key features include a recarpeted runway, parking bays for Dornier-228 aircraft, an ATC tower, and a fire station.
- Sustainable features include 100% LED lighting, solar-powered streetlights, and a treated water reuse system for horticulture.
- Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of Rs 36.96 crore, Satna Airport is set to become a key regional hub in northeast Madhya Pradesh.
- Datia Airport:
- The upgraded Datia Airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 60.63 crore, connecting this historic town to the national aviation grid.
- Datia, known for landmarks like Peetambara Peeth and the Datia Palace, stands to gain from increased religious and cultural tourism.
- The airport is currently suitable for ATR-72 aircraft and is being prepared for future operations of Airbus A-320 aircraft.
- Infrastructure includes a recarpeted runway, apron bays, an ATC tower, and firefighting services, along with rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting systems.
- The upgraded Datia Airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 60.63 crore, connecting this historic town to the national aviation grid.
- Driving Socio-Economic Transformation:
- The operationalisation of both airports will boost economic activity, create employment, and improve access to key services in the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions.
- These projects reflect the Centre’s focus on inclusive growth under the UDAN scheme, making affordable air travel a reality for underserved regions.
UDAN Scheme
- About:
- UDAN aims to democratize aviation and enhance regional connectivity, ensuring that even remote regions of the country are accessible by air.
- The scheme was designed under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, with a focus on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through a market-driven yet financially supported model.
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) serves as the nodal agency responsible for its implementation.
- Key Features of UDAN Scheme:
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Financial support to airlines to ensure affordable fares.
- Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) was created to meet the viability gap funding requirements under the scheme.
- Airfare Cap to ensure affordability.
- Reduced taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and other concessions to airlines to make operations viable on regional routes.
- Collaborative Governance between the Centre, States, the AAI, and private airport operators.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Financial support to airlines to ensure affordable fares.
- Key Innovations under UDAN:
- UDAN Yatri Cafes: Affordable Yatri Cafes have been launched at Kolkata and Chennai airports, offering quality food at accessible prices.
- Krishi UDAN Scheme: Designed to support farmers and improve value realisation for agri-produce, Krishi UDAN facilitates timely and cost-effective air logistics, particularly from Northeast, hilly, and tribal regions.
- Lifeline Udan was launched to transport essential medical cargo to remote areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- The AAI is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- It was formed in 1995, by merging the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
- It also provides Air Traffic Management Services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas.
- The functions of AAI include airport development, airspace control, passenger and cargo terminal management, and provision of communication and navigation aids.
- AAI provides air navigation services over 2.8 million square nautical miles of air space.
Pitambara Peeth
- Pitambara Peeth is a Hindu temple complex which also includes an ashram, located in Datia city of Madhya Pradesh.
- The Shri Vankhandeshwar Shivalinga located here is believed to be from the Mahabharata period. This temple is one of the major centers of Shakti Sadhana.
- The Peetha was established in 1935 by Swamiji Maharaj with the cooperation of Raja Shatrujit Singh Bundela of Datia.