Indore, March 29 Madhya Pradesh will expand its aviation infrastructure to 10 airports within the next two years once the new facilities at Shivpuri and Ujjain become operational, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Sunday.
Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated terminal building at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, the chief minister stated that the state currently has eight airports, along with 20 airstrips and 220 helipads.
"The construction of airports in Ujjain and Shivpuri will be completed within the next two years. This will take the total number of airports in the state to 10," he said.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu virtually inaugurated the renovated terminal building at the Indore airport, along with UDAN Yatri Cafe and other upgraded infrastructure.
Yadav said airstrips at Shahdol, Neemuch, Chhindwara and Mandla will be developed into airports under the regional connectivity scheme.
The state government has also decided to build one airstrip every 145 km to expand aviation facilities, he said.
According to officials, the old terminal building at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport has been renovated for Rs 50 crore and renamed 'T-1' (Terminal 1).
The airport now has two terminal buildings, raising its annual passenger handling capacity to 50 lakh, they said.
More than 100 flights, including regular and special services, currently operate daily from the airport.