Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to launch Air Ambulance and Helicopter Tourism Services | 03 Nov 2025

Why in News?

On the occasion of the state’s 70th foundation day (1st November 2025), Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the ‘PM Shri Aerial Tourism Helicopter Service’ at Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal, marking Madhya Pradesh as the first state in India to introduce both Air Ambulance and Helicopter Tourism Services under its intra-state air connectivity initiative.

Key Points

• The initiative aims to make air travel in Madhya Pradesh not just a mode of transport but an experiential journey, combining faith, spirituality, tourism, and convenience. It seeks to enhance intra-state connectivity, boost tourism, and promote local employment and entrepreneurship in rural and semi-urban areas.
• The service will initially operate on three major tourism routes:
  • Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar (spiritual circuit)
  • Bhopal–Madai–Pachmarhi (nature and heritage circuit)
  • Jabalpur–Bandhavgarh–Kanha (wildlife and eco-tourism circuit)
• Tourism and Economic Impact:
  • The service will significantly reduce travel time for instance, the 5.5-hour road journey from Bhopal to Pachmarhi will now take only 45–50 minutes.
  • Aims to double tourist numbers by 2030 and expand the tourism-based economy to ₹50,000 crore.