Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a series of transformative initiatives to strengthen Odisha’s aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity while addressing the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference held in Bhubaneswar today.
Highlighting the state government’s flagship initiative B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network), the Chief Minister declared that a special Cadet Pilot Programme will soon be launched to provide exclusive training opportunities for tribal girls from Odisha aspiring to become pilots.
Marking a major milestone, the Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air Works, one of India’s leading MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) service providers. Under this agreement, a state-of-the-art MRO facility will be established at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, generating new avenues for skill development, advanced training, and employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
The Chief Minister also underscored the government’s vision to make Odisha a hub for aviation education and training. A world-class Aviation Training Centre will be set up at Birashol in Dhenkanal district. Airports across Odisha will soon host flight training schools, UAV training facilities, and air sports activities, with a progressive land allotment policy being introduced to support such ventures.
In a significant religious and cultural push, CM Majhi said that the upcoming international airport at Puri will serve as a “spiritual and cultural gateway” for millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide. Expansion of Jharsuguda Airport is also underway, with land acquisition already in process.
Since the formation of the new government 14 months ago, Odisha has successfully added 15 new flight destinations to its air network, furthering its integration with national and international aviation routes.
The Chief Minister emphasized that aviation is not limited to airports and airlines, but is also about connecting dreams with opportunities, empowering the economy, and contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also assured that unused airstrips across Odisha will be developed into airports, while 15 new heliports will be set up in districts currently without airports.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, in his address, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to support Odisha’s aviation ambitions. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream that even those wearing ‘hawai chappals’ should get the opportunity to fly is being realised. All necessary assistance will be extended to strengthen Odisha’s aviation infrastructure,” he said.
The event also witnessed addresses by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murli Dhar Mohol, Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister Om Prakash Chaudhary. Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Sameer Sinha delivered the welcome address, while Odisha’s Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, Usha Padhee, presented a detailed report and delivered the vote of thanks.
With these initiatives, Odisha is poised to become a key aviation hub in Eastern India, creating a stronger ecosystem for connectivity, training, and economic growth.
Also Read : Odisha Hosts Eastern Region Civil Aviation Meet in Bhubaneswar
