State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 03 Jun 2025

Airports Inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh under UDAN Scheme

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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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.