AAI, Madhya Pradesh government signs MoU to expand Shivpuri Airport

To enhance the civil aviation sector in Madhya Pradesh, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 10, 2024, for the development of Shivpuri Airport.

This collaboration will focus on transforming Shivpuri into a key regional hub under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and providing modern Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS), and Air Traffic Management (ATM) services.

The MoU and agreements were signed by NV Subbarayudu, Executive Director of AAI, Sajith Kumar, General Manager (ATM/ATS) Delhi, and Ramji Awasthi, Airport Director, on behalf of AAI. Chandramouli Shukla, Commissioner of Aviation, Madhya Pradesh, signed on behalf of the state government. The agreements outline plans for the overall development and operational management of the Shivpuri airstrip.

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As part of the initial development, the airport will be upgraded to accommodate 19-seater aircraft, with plans to further expand its capacity to handle ATR-72 aircraft soon. To facilitate these upgrades, the Madhya Pradesh government will soon transfer 292 acres of land to AAI for the airport’s expansion.

Shivpuri Airport has been identified under UDAN 5.2, a flagship regional connectivity initiative of the Government of India. The airport will initially support operations with 9-seater aircraft. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has allocated Rs 45 crore for the development of the airport. Bids for flights connecting Shivpuri to Bhopal have been secured by Spirit Air, a new start-up airline, signaling a promising future for the region’s air connectivity.

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The partnership between AAI and the Government of Madhya Pradesh marks a crucial milestone in advancing the state’s aviation capabilities, making air travel more accessible, and contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

The development of Shivpuri Airport is expected to boost regional connectivity and economic growth in Madhya Pradesh by facilitating easier and faster travel. It will also play a significant role in attracting investment and tourism to the area.

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