Madhya Pradesh Launches PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service — India’s First State to Offer Intra-State Air Connectivity
Regular Operations to Begin November 20 Across Three Key Tourism Sectors, Service Operated Under PPP Model by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
Madhya Pradesh has created history by becoming the first state in India to introduce intra-state air connectivity through the launch of the PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the service at Raja Bhoj International Airport, Bhopal, marking a major milestone in regional tourism and air transport innovation.
Following the ceremonial flag-off, four helicopters took off for Ujjain, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in air-based tourism. The event was attended by Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trust & Endowment Minister (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, senior officials, and tourism stakeholders. The service—developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model—will be operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, connecting the state’s major tourist, religious, and wildlife destinations through convenient aerial routes.
Regular operations will commence from November 20, 2025, across three key tourism sectors, enhancing accessibility and promoting sustainable tourism.
Expanding Madhya Pradesh’s Air Tourism Network
Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, highlighted that the PM Shri Tourism Air Service—launched a year ago—has already served over 10,000 passengers.
“Given Madhya Pradesh’s vast geography, the new helicopter service is a crucial step toward strengthening air connectivity within the state. This initiative will provide new momentum to tourism and further enhance Madhya Pradesh’s identity on the national and international tourism map,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla.
Operations Across Three Key Tourism Sectors
The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service will operate five days a week in each sector, covering important tourist circuits, pilgrimage routes, and national parks.
Under the PPP model, contracts have been awarded for a three-year period to the following operators:
Sector 1: M/s Trans Bharat Aviation
Sectors 2 and 3: M/s Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Each helicopter will have a minimum seating capacity of six passengers.
Sector 1:
Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Gandhi Sagar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Hanuwantiya, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Nalkheda, Bhopal, and Jabalpur.
Sector 2:
Bhopal, Madhai, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Chhindwara, Sanchi, Indore, Datia, Damoh, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Kuno (Sheopur), Orchha, Guna, Rajgarh, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Betul, Tikamgarh, and Jabalpur.
Sector 3:
Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Chitrakoot, Sarsi, Parsuli, Maihar, Satna, Panna, Khajuraho, Katni, Rewa, Singrauli, Amarkantak, Seoni, Sidhi, Mandla, Pench, Dindori, Bhopal, and Indore.
A Complete End-to-End Travel Experience
The PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service is designed as an end-to-end tourism experience, offering travelers a seamless and hassle-free journey.
From doorstep taxi pick-up to helipad transfers, hotel bookings, guided temple tours, and wildlife safaris, every aspect of the journey is pre-arranged for tourists. Return travel arrangements are also included, ensuring convenience and comfort.
This innovative tourism model strengthens Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as the “Heart of Incredible India”, combining world-class tourism infrastructure with the ease of modern air travel.
