Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel visited the Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur on May 6. He viewed the runway and praised the officials for getting good-quality work completed within the deadline.

The Chief Minister stated that discussions for developing Mahamaya Airport in Surguja were being held at the state and national level. Today, the airport has the capacity to land big aeroplanes too.

This entire area is spread across 374 acres of land and the officers have been instructed to prepare an action plan for further development of the airport so that a higher number of bigger aeroplanes can land here. This has been possible through an 1800 m. airstrip constructed at Rs 48 crores.

Chief Minister Baghel said that the DGCA team will visit the airport for inspection after 3 days and they will apply for a license right after. Normally, a license is issued within 25 days of the application.

He said that he used to discuss this topic with Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo and Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat as well. Additionally, they were in continuous contact with the Ministry of Aviation.

CM Baghel further said that they would offer the suggestion of starting flights from Ambikapur to Delhi, Banaras, and Raipur to the Aviation Ministry. The approval of the suggestion will create better possibilities for development in the tourism sector in this area.

The 3-day Banaras and 3-day Delhi flights will make the beauty of Surguja easily accessible through aviation. The beauty of Surguja is remarkable and with the new aviation facility, tourists from all over the country will enjoy the beautiful views of the hills and forests of Surguja, including Mainpat and the hills of Ramgarh. Additionally, they can also enjoy the hot water sources in Tatapani.

An aerial view of the airport Sourced by The Telegraph

CM Baghel further said that the best time to visit Sarguja is October-November and with the launching of aviation facilities, tourists on a large scale will visit this place during that time. It will also enable tourists to contemplate the Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit and the heavenly views of Surguja. This way, Surguja will soon establish itself as a major tourism centre in Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that the Surguja airport is amongst the oldest airports in the country. A WBM airport was constructed here after the nation's independence in 1950. Indira Gandhi had visited the airport in 1974.

When the airport has been developed, private aeroplanes could also land and now with the landing of big aeroplanes, rapid development in the tourism sector of Surguja is expected. Sharing an old memory, the Chief Minister said that earlier, when flights used to land here, it used to feel like diving. Now the airstrip in the Surguja Airport is allowing smooth landings. On this occasion, the Chief Minister gifted sarees to 5 women engaged in airport construction work.

The Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel was accorded a rousing reception at the airport in the presence of Health Minister T S Singh Deo, Food and Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Lundra MLA Dr Pritam Ram, IG Ramgopal Garg, Collector Kundan Kumar, SP Bhavna Gupta, CEO of District Panchayat Vishwadeep and local public representatives.