Madhya Pradesh Launches Pioneering Inter-State Heli Tourism, Slashing Pilgrimage and Jungle Safari Travel Times
MP में पर्यटन को नई उड़ान: धार्मिक, वन्यजीव और इको-टूरिज्म डेस्टिनेशन अब हवाई मार्ग से जुड़े
Bhopal: In a landmark move for aerial tourism in India, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to launch an inter-state tourism helicopter service. Christened the ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’, the initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on the state’s 70th Foundation Day, promising to revolutionise travel for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The service, operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and commencing regular operations from November 20, is designed to provide swift, seamless, and safe connectivity across the state’s major spiritual, eco-tourism, and wildlife hubs. A key highlight promises to transform the pilgrimage experience, reducing the journey between the revered Jyotirlingas of Ujjain and Omkareshwar to a mere 20-40 minutes.
A New Era for Tourism and Economy
Positioned as a significant step in tourism development, the service aims to make exploring the state’s diverse attractions more efficient and accessible.
“The objective of this initiative is to provide fast and seamless aerial connectivity to major spiritual, natural, wildlife, and wellness-based destinations,” stated Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi. He emphasised that the service would not only save travellers’ time but also pave the way for new investments, employment opportunities, and a stronger state economy.
Echoing the sentiment, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, described the service as an “innovative effort” to connect the state’s premier destinations. “With reduced travel time and affordable fares, this service will significantly enhance the travel experience and promote high-value tourism, adventure tourism, and spiritual tourism,” Shukla said.
Sector-Wise Connectivity and Fare Structure
The heli service is structured across distinct sectors to cater to different tourist interests:
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Spiritual Circuit: The Indore-Ujjain-Omkareshwar route allows devotees to visit both the Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas in a single day. Fares are estimated at ₹5,000 for Indore-Ujjain (20 minutes), ₹6,500 for Ujjain-Omkareshwar (40 minutes), and ₹5,500 for the return from Omkareshwar to Indore.
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Eco-Tourism Corridor: Tourists can now reach pristine natural locations quickly, with a 40-minute flight from Bhopal to Madhai priced at ₹4,000, and a 20-minute hop from Madhai to Pachmarhi at ₹3,000. A direct one-hour flight from Bhopal to Pachmarhi will also be available for ₹5,000. Joy rides will be offered in Pachmarhi to enhance the experience.
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Wildlife Sector: Faster access to famed national parks is now a reality. Key connections include Jabalpur to Kanha (₹6,250), Jabalpur to Bandhavgarh (₹3,750), and a one-hour flight to Amarkantak for ₹5,000, enabling tourists to cover more ground in less time.
मध्य प्रदेश ने शुरू की देश की पहली अंतर-राज्यीय हेली-टूरिज्म सेवा
The service builds upon the existing ‘PM Shri Vayu Paryatan Seva’, which has improved connectivity to heritage cities like Khajuraho, Satna, and Rewa. Bookings for the new heli tourism service are open on official portals.
Key Quotes
Quote from Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi (Focus on Vision & Economic Impact)
“This service is an important step toward tourism development… it will not only save travellers’ time but also pave the way for new investments, employment opportunities, and a stronger state economy.”
Quote from ACS Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla (Focus on Experience & Growth)
“This innovative effort… will significantly enhance the travel experience and promote high-value tourism, adventure tourism, and spiritual tourism, ensuring substantial growth in both domestic and international tourist numbers.”
Fact-Based Statement (Ideal for a pull-out box or infographic)
“A key highlight of the service promises to transform the pilgrimage experience, reducing the journey between the revered Jyotirlingas of Ujjain and Omkareshwar to a mere 20-40 minutes.”
