Kumar Bahukhandi
Three lakh passengers have flown from Bastar Airport so far-Photo Credit-CG/PR
Bastar division directly connected to big cities through regular air service
Raipur: The expansion of transport facilities has been an important achievement in the development journey of 25 years since the formation of Chhattisgarh state. While the capital Raipur was already connected to the major cities of the country by air, now cities like Bastar, Bilaspur and Ambikapur are also benefiting from air services. Especially in the Bastar division headquarters Jagdalpur, the facility of airport and regular passenger flights has opened new possibilities of development in the region.
Maa Danteshwari Airport located in Jagdalpur has historical importance. It was constructed in the year 1939 during the British rule and it was known as “Jahaj Bhata” at that time. In the year 2017, the work of upgrading the airport was started by the Airports Authority of India under the UDAN scheme of the Central Government. In the year 2019, it was upgraded to 3-C category, making it possible to operate aircraft like ATR-72. In the year 2020, the Chhattisgarh government named the airport after Maa Danteshwari, the revered goddess of Bastar.
In September 2020, Alliance Air started regular commercial flights from Jagdalpur to Raipur and Hyderabad. After this, flight services were also started for Delhi, Jabalpur and Bilaspur. From March 2024, Indigo Airlines started daily service connecting Jagdalpur to Hyderabad and Raipur. Special Delhi service is also being operated for paramilitary forces.
At present, about three lakh passengers have traveled by air from Jagdalpur Airport so far. This has not only provided convenience to the local citizens, but there has also been a significant improvement in business, tourism, education and health services. It has become possible to transport serious patients to big cities for quick treatment. Students and youth are easily reaching big cities for employment and higher education.
Bastar’s handicrafts, forest produce and herbal products are now easily reaching the big markets of the country. At the same time, tourists from the country and abroad have also become able to reach tourist places like Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh waterfall, Kanger Valley National Park and the historic Bastar Dussehra.
The operation of Jagdalpur Airport is proving to be a new door of development for the Bastar region. This is providing modern facilities to the interior areas and Bastar is getting a new identity on the national scene. In the coming times, this airport will become an important center for the economic and social progress of the region.
