The Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, along with Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, laid the foundation stone of Rewa Airport in Madhya Pradesh. Rewa is a region located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance.
Rewa Airfield in Madhya Pradesh
Rewa Airfield has a runway of 1400 meters with a small building of 150 square meters and 61.95 acres of land. Previously owned by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, the existing airport has been handed over to the Airport Authority of India for revival and construction of necessary facilities to accommodate 19-seater aircraft.
Project Granted to AAI
On December 22, 2022, the Airports Authority of India was granted the project to enhance the existing runway, grade the runway strip area on both sides, and construct a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) and terminal building of 750 square meters to accommodate 50 passengers during peak hours.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "the Union Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is taking all steps for the all-around inclusive development of the country. Parivartan (Transformation) is connected to Parivahan (Transport). Therefore, it becomes our duty to provide air connectivity to the Rewa region and fulfil the aspiration of the people."
Scindia appreciated the state government for providing the required land and said that the airport, with an expenditure of Rs 300 crores, will be developed and operationalised soon.
"The UDAN scheme has fulfilled the dream of the common citizen of India, and one crore fifteen lakh people have flown under this scheme on subsided fares," Scindia added.
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The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Girish Gautam, Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Madhya Pradesh, Shri Bisahu Lal Singh, Minister of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Janardan Mishra, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and Shri Rajendra Shukla, Member of the Legislative Assembly, among others.
Acquisition of Additional Land for ATR-72 Operations
The State Government and AAI have mutually decided that an additional 290 acres of land is required to make the airport suitable for ATR-72 operations. Of the 290 acres, 137 acres are required for VFR operations, and 153 acres are required for IFR operations.
The State Cabinet has already sanctioned the acquisition of 246 acres of privately-owned land and approved a compensation package worth Rs. 206 crores to be paid to the landowners. The acquisition of the remaining land is anticipated to be approved by the State Government shortly.