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Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch its own helicopter tourism service, marking a milestone in regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the ‘PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service’ on Saturday at Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj International Airport, coinciding with the state’s 70th Foundation Day celebrations.
Officials described the initiative as the first of its kind by any state government, aimed at linking key tourist and religious destinations while improving travel convenience. “We are not only bridging distances, but also uniting hearts and experiences,” Yadav said, highlighting the government’s focus on making air travel both accessible and enjoyable.
The new service seeks to make travel within Madhya Pradesh faster and more seamless. In its first phase, three tourism circuits will be covered:
Bhopal–Pachmarhi–Madhai
Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar
Jabalpur–Kanha–Bandhavgarh
These routes are expected to reduce travel time between major cultural, spiritual, and wildlife destinations, allowing visitors to explore multiple sites in a single day. The service will operate five days a week under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Trans Bharat Aviation and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Regular operations are scheduled to begin on November 20, offering integrated travel packages that include transport, accommodation, and guided tours.
Interacting with Outlook Traveller, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Home, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “Madhya Pradesh, rich in heritage, culture, and wildlife, offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences across its vast landscape. However, the sheer geographical spread of the state often limits visitors from exploring its many facets within a short span. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the introduction of helicopter tourism will transform this dynamic by making intra-destination travel faster, more comfortable, and more immersive.”
He added that travellers will now be able to visit spiritual centres such as Ujjain and Omkareshwar, architectural marvels like Mandu and Khajuraho, and natural wonders such as Pachmarhi and Kanha within a single itinerary — redefining experiential travel by connecting the spiritual, cultural, and ecological essence of Madhya Pradesh.
Yadav said the initiative would not only strengthen tourism but also create opportunities in rural employment, homestay ventures, and local handicrafts. He added that the state aims to double tourist arrivals by 2030 through improved air connectivity and diversified travel options.
He also noted progress in the state’s broader aviation network, including the introduction of air ambulance services and enhanced intra-state connectivity. Airports in Rewa, Satna, and Datia have become operational in recent months, further improving regional access.
Shukla shared, “Helicopter tourism will serve as a catalyst for community empowerment and balanced economic growth across Madhya Pradesh. Improved air connectivity will bring a steady flow of visitors to potential offbeat destinations that were earlier difficult to access, thereby creating new opportunities for local communities.”
He said the initiative would benefit homestay owners, guides, artisans, and small entrepreneurs, while the air ambulance component would provide a vital emergency response mechanism for remote destinations — improving both safety and accessibility for residents and tourists.
The initiative has drawn positive reactions from industry experts and travel operators.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Helicopter/aerial tourism is emerging as an exciting new travel format, redefining how Indians experience destinations. Today’s travellers are seeking premium, experiential ways to explore the country—combining ease, comfort, and accessibility with a sense of adventure.”
He added that Madhya Pradesh’s new initiative is a “positive step in this direction,” enhancing connectivity and opening new opportunities to discover the state’s cultural and natural wealth from an aerial perspective.
SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, added, “Nearly 36% of Indian travellers are now seeking premium and experiential holidays — a trend gaining strong momentum from both metro cities and smaller towns. Helicopter tourism fits perfectly into this evolving preference, offering a unique vantage point and making hard-to-reach destinations more accessible.”
He said initiatives like Madhya Pradesh’s helicopter routes will help aerial tourism become an integral part of India’s growing premium travel landscape.
In another announcement, the Chief Minister confirmed plans for a new airport in Ujjain, home to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations.
Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said the helicopter and air ambulance initiatives represent a major step in expanding the tourism landscape of Madhya Pradesh. “Under Chief Minister Yadav’s leadership, the state’s tourism sector is touching new heights,” he said.
With a combination of improved connectivity and curated travel experiences, Madhya Pradesh’s helicopter tourism service is expected to serve as a model for experiential and accessible air travel in India.
1. What is the ‘PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service’?
The ‘PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service’ is a new state-run initiative by the Madhya Pradesh government to boost air connectivity and promote tourism. It offers helicopter rides connecting key religious, cultural, and wildlife destinations across the state.
2. Which routes will the helicopter tourism service cover?
In its first phase, the service will operate across three major tourism circuits:
Bhopal–Pachmarhi–Madhai
Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar
Jabalpur–Kanha–Bandhavgarh
3. When will helicopter tourism services begin in Madhya Pradesh?
Regular helicopter operations are scheduled to begin on November 20, 2025. Bookings and integrated travel packages will be available shortly thereafter.
4. Who is operating the helicopter tourism service?
The service is being operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Trans Bharat Aviation and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd., ensuring safe and efficient operations.
5. What are the benefits of the helicopter tourism service?
The initiative aims to:
Reduce travel time between key destinations.
Promote tourism and rural employment.
Improve connectivity for remote regions.
Enhance visitor experiences through curated travel packages.
6. What is the air ambulance service introduced by the Madhya Pradesh government?
Alongside helicopter tourism, Madhya Pradesh has launched an air ambulance network to provide emergency medical evacuation and faster healthcare access across the state.
