Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended a warm welcome to Union and state ministers, senior officials, and industry stakeholders at the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference in Bhubaneswar. He described the event as a “defining moment” in the state’s aviation journey, underscoring Odisha’s ambition to emerge as the aviation hub of Eastern India.
The Chief Minister said Odisha represents a rare blend of rich cultural heritage and modern aspirations, making it an ideal gateway for regional aviation growth. “With the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath, our state is committed to enhancing regional connectivity, developing aviation infrastructure, and opening new economic corridors that can uplift Eastern India,” Majhi declared.
Outlining a detailed roadmap, Majhi said the government is prioritizing the expansion of the UDAN scheme and the development of airports in Puri, Rourkela, and Paradeep. These projects, he noted, will significantly boost tourism, trade, industrial activity, and cargo movement, while also generating new employment opportunities.
“Aviation for us is not just about air travel—it is about connecting aspirations with opportunities and creating highways of prosperity in the sky,” Majhi said, adding that the state’s aviation sector is poised for rapid growth with flexible national policies, central financial support for regional routes, and technical collaboration for MROs (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) and aviation training institutes.
He further emphasized that civil aviation can be a key driver of inclusive growth, helping remote and underdeveloped regions access markets, education, healthcare, and investment.
Officials explained that the Bhubaneswar conference will act as a policy-shaping platform to discuss aviation infrastructure, regional air connectivity, cargo handling facilities, skill development, and public-private partnerships (PPP). By fostering collaboration between the Centre, state governments, and industry, the conference aims to position Eastern India as a dynamic civil aviation hub.
The event is also expected to attract fresh domestic and foreign investments, improve last-mile connectivity, and strengthen the region’s contribution to India’s fast-growing civil aviation sector, which has already become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.
“Odisha is not just hosting a conference,” the CM concluded. “We are hosting a new vision for Eastern India’s aviation future—a vision that connects people, businesses, and opportunities with the sky as our highway of prosperity.”
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