Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to host the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference at MAYFAIR Convention on Monday, August 25. The high-profile event will bring together key government officials and industry leaders to discuss the development and challenges of the civil aviation sector in Eastern India.
The conference will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who will also deliver the keynote and closing addresses. Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi will attend as Chief Guest, with the inaugural session also featuring Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
The day-long deliberations will focus on several critical topics vital to regional aviation growth:
- UDAN Scheme and Regional Connectivity: Strategies to enhance air travel accessibility and affordability under the ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’ scheme.
- Infrastructure Development: Discussions on models for developing new airports and heliports to expand the aviation network.
- Skill Development and Drone Ecosystem: Plans to promote aviation-related skills and foster the growth of drone technology for various applications.
- Emergency Medical Services: Exploring the future of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), a crucial service for medical emergencies in remote areas.
Delegations from six states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, will participate.
The event will also see attendance from senior officials of major aviation regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), among others.
Dedicated one-on-one sessions will allow states to present their specific aviation priorities and seek policy support. Simultaneously, industry interactions will explore opportunities for investment and public-private partnerships to accelerate growth in the region’s aviation ecosystem.
The conference will conclude with Shri Kinjarapu outlining the Government of India’s vision for expanding regional connectivity and modernizing aviation infrastructure. By hosting this event, Odisha solidifies its position as a key partner in India’s civil aviation growth story.