Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maa Mahamaya Airport in Darima village, Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, under the UDAN scheme, fulfilling a long-standing demand for air connectivity in the region. Built at a cost of Rs 800 million, the airport spans 365 acres and is classified as a 3C VFR airport, capable of handling aircraft with up to 72 passengers. The expanded terminal building is designed to manage an annual capacity of 500,000 passengers.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the airport's opening, highlighting its role in promoting tourism and economic growth. "The construction of this fully equipped airport will drive the development of the Surguja division and improve connectivity for residents and tourists alike," he said on social media.

The new airport will link Surguja with cities like Jabalpur, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Prayagraj, enhancing travel and business opportunities for the local population. Officials expect a surge in tourism and economic activity in the region following the launch.

During his visit to Varanasi, PM Modi also inaugurated two additional airports: Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, further expanding the UDAN scheme's reach. Combined, these three airports will increase passenger handling capacity to over 2.3 crore annually. The airport designs are inspired by regional heritage elements.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for significant infrastructure upgrades, including a new terminal building and runway expansion at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, with an estimated cost of Rs 28.7 billion. Additionally, Modi launched new civil enclaves at the airports in Agra (Rs 5.7 billion), Darbhanga (Rs 9.1 billion), and Bagdogra (Rs 15.5 billion), aiming to boost regional connectivity and infrastructure development. (ET)