Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced a significant expansion of the state’s aviation sector, including a new Cadet Pilot Program aimed at training tribal girls to become pilots.
The announcement was made during the Eastern Civil Aviation Ministerial Conference, where the state also signed a crucial agreement to boost its aviation infrastructure.
Under the state’s flagship initiative, B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network), the Cadet Pilot Programme will provide specialized training to tribal girls, empowering them to pursue careers in aviation.
A major highlight of the conference was the signing of a pact between the Odisha government and Air Works, a leading aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service provider. This agreement will facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art MRO facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The partnership will also focus on creating skill development, training, and employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Addressing the conference, Chief Minister Shri Majhi highlighted the state’s ambitious plans to become a key aviation hub. He mentioned that a world-class international airport is under construction in Puri to serve as a spiritual and cultural gateway for devotees worldwide. Additionally, land has been allocated for the expansion of Jharsuguda airport. Majhi noted that in the last 14 months, Odisha’s airports have been connected to 15 new destinations, enhancing both national and international air transport networks.
Shri Majhi also announced plans to set up a world-class aviation training center at Birasola in Dhenkanal district and to introduce a Progressive Land Allotment Policy for state airports. This new policy will support flying training, UAV training, and air sports activities. The government is also working to develop 14 unused airstrips into operational airports and to establish 15 heliports in districts lacking airports.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu lauded the state’s efforts, promising all possible support from the central government to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making air travel accessible to all.
The conference was attended by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohal, Minister of State for Commerce and Transport Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister Om Prakash Chowdhury. The event showcased Odisha’s commitment to driving socio-economic progress and strengthening its position as a major player in India’s aviation growth story. Principal Secretary Commerce & Transport, Shrimati Usha Padhee has been instrumental in organizing the entire show, which was successfully conducted.