*New dimensions of development will open in the region: Governor Shri Ramen Deka*
*A historic moment for the Surguja region: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai*
*An important step towards Developed India 2047*
Raipur, / Chhattisgarh’s Tribal dominated and remote region Surguja district is now connected with air service. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated Maa Mahamaya Airport, Darima, Ambikapur from Varanasi and gave the gift of air travel facility to Surguja and its surrounding districts.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister extended his congratulations and best wishes to the people of Chhattisgarh, highlighting that the state-of-the-art facilities being developed at airports across India have garnered global attention. He emphasized that the inauguration of the new airport in the Surguja region will create new avenues for development and employment opportunities.
On this occasion, Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Union Housing and Urban Development Minister Shri Tokhan Sahu, along with members of Chhattisgarh Cabinet, MPs and MLAs were present.
The launch of this air service marks a significant milestone for the residents of Surguja and neighboring districts, including Jashpur, Surajpur, Balrampur, Korea, and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur. This new connectivity will facilitate easier air travel to major cities across the country, offering a more economical and time-efficient option for travelers.
Not only will this enhance mobility, but it will also accelerate economic and social development in the region. Residents will now have direct access to cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Raipur, and Bilaspur through this newly established service, fulfilling a long-standing demand for air connectivity in the Surguja region.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that the opening of Maa Mahamaya Airport will open new dimensions of development in this region. Through the airport, a better air connectivity will be established for the citizens and industrialists of the Sarguja region. After Bastar, Sarguja is the second largest tribal-dominated area of the state, where this facility is being started.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said, “On this occasion of inauguration of Maa Mahamaya Airport by the visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is a historic moment for the Sarguja region. This is not only an effort to facilitate air travel, but is an important step towards connecting our tribal community and remote areas with the mainstream of development.” This will provide new opportunities for education, health, and employment to the people of the region. We are proud that we are contributing to moving our state towards the dream of Developed India 2047. Air connectivity will not only make travel easier, but will also strengthen the local economy, added Shri Sai.
Quoting Prime Minister’s vision to avail air traveling facility to common masses, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that ream of air travel is also becoming a reality even for those who wear slippers across the country.
The vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is to establish better aviation services in the country and connect all parts of the country with it. Union Housing and Urban Development Minister Shri Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihar Jaiswal, Surguja MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj also addressed the program.
The air strip at Maa Mahamaya Airport located at Darima in Ambikapur has been upgraded under the Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Government of India. This airport is sprawled across 365 acres and has been built at a cost of Rs 80 crore. This airport is of 3 Commercial Visual Flight Rules category with a 72-seater aircraft can land on its airstrip. The terminal building has been expanded as per the estimated capacity of 5 lakh passengers annually.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, State Youth Commission Chairman Vishwavijay Singh Tomar, Lundra MLA Prabodh Minj, Ambikapur MLA Rajesh Agarwal, Sitapur MLA Ramkumar Toppo, Director, Aviation Sanjeev Jha were also present in the program.
*Air Connectivity: A Step Towards the Dream of Developed India 2047*
The idea to travel long distances via changing multiple buses and trains to reach larger cities has been troubling for people of Surguja region. Hence, with the launch of Airport in Ambikapur, a new chapter of success has unfolded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
This initiative is not merely the establishment of an airport, it represents a significant step toward realizing the vision of ‘Developed India 2047.’ The airport will serve as a vital link for lakhs of people not only in Surguja but also in surrounding districts such as Jashpur, Surajpur, Balrampur, Korea, and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, connecting them more effectively to the broader national landscape.
*Growing Prospects for Surguja with Maa Mahamaya Airport Opening*
The inauguration of Maa Mahamaya Airport is set to transform the connectivity of Surguja, linking residents directly to major cities such as Raipur, Delhi, Kolkata, and Jabalpur. This new air service opens up significant opportunities for students seeking better education, allows businesses to access new markets, and provides patients with easier access to quality medical facilities.
Rajesh, a young entrepreneur from Ambikapur, expressed optimism about the changes, stating, “Transporting our products to other cities will now be much simpler. The previous long and costly road journey is no longer a barrier; we can directly ship our local products to cities like Delhi and Kolkata.” This airport is poised to revitalize economic activities in Surguja, generating excitement among both small and large business owners.
*New Avenues for Tourism*
Surguja boasts stunning valleys, the hill station of Mainpat and the historic caves of Ramgarh, all of which are key tourist attractions. The airport’s opening is expected to make travel more convenient for tourists. Local tourism stakeholders anticipate a boost in visitor numbers. Guide Shankar said, “Previously, tourists had to endure lengthy road trips to reach us, but now they can arrive directly by flight. This will enhance our tourism business and create employment opportunities for local residents.”
*Economic Development and Investment Opportunities*
Prime Minister Shri Modi highlighted it would facilitate not only transportation but also attract investment to the region. The air service is expected to open new markets for local industries, thereby increasing employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the demand for Surguja’s agricultural products across the country is set to rise, allowing farmers to deliver their goods directly to markets in cities like Delhi and Kolkata. This accessibility will not only boost their incomes but also strengthen the overall economic landscape of the region.
