Gwalior: In a landmark moment for air connectivity in India, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, alongside Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav, inaugurated the first flights on three crucial routes from Gwalior. This development is a significant step towards bolstering air travel accessibility across the country.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Minister Scindia highlighted the commencement of these flights as a new beginning aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to showcase and amplify India’s economic and spiritual strengths through world-class connectivity.
Gwalior, now connected with six cities—Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ayodhya—experiences 33 weekly flight movements. Minister Scindia thanked Air India Express for establishing connections between Gwalior, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
Furthermore, Minister Scindia announced an ambitious plan to construct a new terminal building in Gwalior, with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore, aiming for completion in a record time of 16 months. The futuristic terminal, spanning 2 lakh square feet, will encapsulate the essence of Gwalior’s history, culture, civilization, and local ethos while providing impetus to connectivity and economic growth.
Reflecting on the aviation sector’s progress in Madhya Pradesh, Minister Scindia noted the remarkable increase in air connectivity from 13 cities before 2014 to 31 cities today. Two international connections to Dubai and Sharjah have been established post-2014. The region witnesses over 1000 aircraft movements per week, compared to 540 before 2014. The government is actively investing in infrastructure, with projects including a new terminal at Jabalpur, the development of Rewa airport for ATR aircraft, construction of a new airport in Datia, and an airfield in Satna. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh now hosts six Flying Training Organisations, including Asia’s first Helicopter training institute in Khajuraho.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road Transport and Highways, Gen (Dr) V.K. Singh (Retd.), commended the inauguration of these routes as a testament to the government’s commitment to making air travel more accessible and convenient, contributing to the overall development of the regions.
Air India Express will operate daily flights on the Bangalore–Gwalior–Delhi–Ayodhya–Delhi–Gwalior–Bangalore routes, ensuring a seven-day-a-week service for passengers.
The event witnessed the presence of Minister of Energy of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Pradhuman Singh Tomar, Minister of Social Justice & Welfare of disabled people, Horticulture & Food Processing Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah, Member of Parliament, Gwalior, Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, and other dignitaries.