‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’ Launched with Grand Fanfarfe; Flights Take Off from Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur
With the initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has opened a new chapter of pride in the domain of air tourism. To strengthen air connectivity and increase tourist inflow, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has formally started operation of the ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’ from Thursday, 20 November.
The service commenced amid traditional music, enthusiasm, colours and a warm welcome from local citizens, creating a festive atmosphere across the state. This service will now operate regularly, giving tourism in Madhya Pradesh a new direction and strong momentum.
First Flights: A Historic Moment
On the first day, as per schedule, helicopters operated in three sectors: from Bhopal to Madhai and from Madhai to Pachmarhi; from Indore to Ujjain and Omkareshwar; and from Jabalpur to Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Public representatives and religious heads enjoyed these inaugural flights.
Tourism, Culture & Religious Trust and Endowments Minister Dharmendra Lodhi said that this service will provide a fast, convenient, and affordable air route for spiritual, nature, and wildlife tourism. The new heli network will not only save precious time for travellers, but will also promote employment and investment in the state.
ACS Tourism and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, said that the ‘PM Shri Heli Tourism Service’ is an innovative initiative to connect major religious, natural, cultural, and wildlife destinations across the state.’
From Bhopal to the Lap of Nature
The service was launched from Bhopal to Madhai and for the onward leg from Madhai to Pachmarhi,
From Indore to Sacred Pilgrimage Sites
The PM Shri Heli Tourism Service was launched in Indore in a devotional atmosphere. In the first phase, religious flights were started from Indore to Baba Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling in Ujjain and from Ujjain to Omkareshwar.
From the helipad at Bicholi Mardana, the first group of passengers departed in an environment filled with devotion and excitement. Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat flagged off the first group to the holy city of Ujjain. He said that this service marks a new chapter in domestic pilgrimage.
From Jabalpur to Forest Riches
From Jabalpur, Anil Tiwari and Omnarayan Dubey enjoyed the natural beauty of Kanha and Bandhavgarh. As per the schedule, services from Jabalpur to Amarkantak will commence from 21 November. Tourists will also be able to use the heli service for travel between Jabalpur, Maihar and Chitrakoot.
Sector-wise Major Facilities
Religious Sector: Indore–Ujjain in 20 minutes; Ujjain–Omkareshwar in 40 minutes; Omkareshwar–Indore in 25 minutes. Eco-Tourism Sector: Fast connectivity on the Bhopal–Madhai–Pachmarhi route. Bhopal–Madhai in 40 minutes, Madhai–Pachmarhi in 20 minutes and a direct Bhopal–Pachmarhi flight in 60 minutes. Wildlife Sector: Jabalpur–Maihar in 60 minutes, Maihar–Chitrakoot in 30 minutes, Chitrakoot–Maihar in 30 minutes, Jabalpur–Bandhavgarh in 45 minutes, and Jabalpur–Amarkantak in 60 minutes.
Easy Booking
Tourists can make online bookings at www.flyola.in, air.irctc.co.in/flyola and transbharat.in