Raipur, March 30 Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai virtually launched flight services from Ambikapur to Delhi and Kolkata on Monday, stating that the government has been working to ensure air connectivity to major cities in the state and make air travel accessible to ordinary people.
Sai launched the Alliance Air flight service virtually from a program held at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose State Police Academy in Chandkhuri village of Raipur district.
Ambikapur is the headquarters of the Surguja district and division.
The chief minister said that this new service was made possible through the efforts of local public representatives and noted that direct connectivity with Delhi and Kolkata will boost trade, tourism, and economic activities in the region.
He said that aviation services are being steadily expanded across the state.
The night landing facility at Bilaspur airport began operations on Sunday, Sai said, adding that provisions have been made in the budget under the Chhattisgarh Viability Assistance for Yatri Udaan (CG-VAYU) scheme to ensure the smooth operation of domestic flights.
Cargo services at Raipur airport will further help local products reach national and international markets, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that the operation of a 72-seater aircraft from Ambikapur (Darima) will significantly strengthen connectivity between Delhi, Ambikapur, and Kolkata.
According to officials, Alliance Air will operate flights four days a week, providing convenient two-way travel options and improving connectivity in the Bilaspur region as well.
Flights to Delhi will be scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays, while those to Kolkata will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays from Maa Mahamaya Airport, Darima (Ambikapur), they said.
Ambikapur is an administrative, educational, and commercial hub in north Chhattisgarh, rich in natural resources, forests, and minerals.
The region also has strong tourism potential with destinations like Mainpat and Tatapani, they said.
With the launch of this service, the Surguja region will now be directly connected to the national capital, boosting business opportunities, investment, and market access for local products.
Spanning 365 acres, Maa Mahamaya Airport has been developed under the Central government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).
Constructed in 1950, this airstrip underwent expansion, extending the runway from 1,500 meters to 1,800 meters. Consequently, larger aircraft—such as ATRs—can now operate here.
A sum of Rs 48.25 crore was sanctioned for the airport's civil and electrification works, ensuring that construction and development activities were executed in strict compliance with DGCA standards, officials said.