International air services to begin soon at Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur; Direct flights to Singapore and Dubai

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting focused on enhancing air connectivity in the state and developing regional airports. The Union Minister gave his nod to commence international air services from Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur at the earliest. In addition, steps will be initiated to develop a cargo hub at Raipur Airport. Consent has been received to initiate air services connecting Raipur Airport with Patna and Ranchi.

Chief Minister requested granting international airport status to Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, adding that Chhattisgarh holds significant potential for international air services.

He stated that this move would boost the state's economic development and enhance global connectivity. Considering the growing international passenger traffic in Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister discussed the need for direct flights from Raipur to Singapore and Dubai, noting that these routes have substantial passenger demand and would be commercially viable. The Union Aviation Minister has agreed to the proposal to commence international air services from Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur at the earliest. 

Shri Sai also pointed out the absence of a major cargo facility center in the state and proposed transforming Raipur Airport into a central cargo hub. He stated that this development would boost the transportation of agricultural and horticultural products. The Union Minister assured prompt action on the proposal.

During the meeting, a proposal was made to upgrade Bilaspur Airport to the 3C IFR category. Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the swift completion of the installation process for the Radio Navigation System DVOR to address this requirement. In response, the Union Minister directed officials to expedite the process, considering the challenges currently faced in night landings at Bilaspur Airport.

Chief Minister also called for the introduction of new flights connecting Ambikapur Airport with major cities, including Raipur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. He added that such services would significantly benefit the region, given its cultural and mineral wealth. The Union Minister assured a positive initiative in response to this demand.

In the meeting, Chief Minister also requested the restoration of financial assistance for RCS flights at Jagdalpur and Bilaspur airports, stating that enhanced connectivity on these routes would support regional development. He mentioned that the Indigo Airlines flight service between Jagdalpur and Raipur was discontinued due to low passenger numbers. Urging for its timely reinstatement, Shri Sai highlighted the immense tourism potential in Bastar, creating a strong demand for air connectivity on this route. The Union Minister assured a positive initiative on the other proposals as well. Chief Minister's Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat along with Investment Commissioner of Chhattisgarh in New Delhi, Smt. Ritu Sain were also present at the meeting.