TFP Bureau, Raipur; October 20, 2024: The long-anticipated Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur’s Darima region was inaugurated today, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participating virtually from Varanasi. This landmark event marks the beginning of air services in the tribal-dominated Surguja region, fulfilling a long-standing demand for improved connectivity.
The airport, developed under the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, is spread across 365 acres and has been constructed at a cost of ₹80 crore. It is capable of accommodating 72-seater aircraft and has been designed to handle an estimated annual capacity of 500,000 passengers.
Development Milestone for Surguja
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the airport’s significance, stating,
“This airport is a new era of development for the Surguja region. It connects our tribal community to the rest of the country, fulfilling their long-held aspirations for air travel.” He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his vision of enhancing aviation services across India, which has led to increased connectivity in Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka also emphasized the airport’s importance, declaring it a historic day for Surguja.
“With the opening of Maa Mahamaya Airport, new dimensions of development will emerge in this region, establishing better connectivity for citizens and businesses,” he said.
Flight Schedule Unveiled
With the inauguration, a comprehensive flight schedule has been announced for Maa Mahamaya Airport. The proposed flights include:
Monday & Friday: Ambikapur → Bilaspur → Delhi
Tuesday & Thursday: Ambikapur → Kolkata → Bilaspur → Kolkata
Tuesday & Thursday: Ambikapur → Delhi → Prayagraj → Bilaspur → Prayagraj → Delhi
Wednesday: Ambikapur → Delhi → Bilaspur → Jagdalpur → Jabalpur → Delhi
Saturday: Ambikapur → Delhi → Bilaspur → Jagdalpur → Bilaspur → Delhi
Sunday: Ambikapur → Delhi → Jagdalpur → Bilaspur → Jagdalpur → Delhi
This new connectivity will enable local residents to access various destinations across the country, enhancing both travel convenience and economic opportunities.
Warm Welcome for Dignitaries
Governor Deka and Chief Minister Sai received a warm welcome upon their arrival in Ambikapur, where they were greeted with flowers by local officials and public representatives. This event was attended by various dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao and several ministers, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind the airport’s establishment.
With the launch of Maa Mahamaya Airport, Surguja is poised for a new chapter of growth, promising to connect its tribal communities to broader economic and cultural opportunities through enhanced air travel.
