Eastern India to Play Pivotal Role in Aviation Growth, Says Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu

Bhubaneswar, August 25: The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the Government of Odisha, hosted the Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025 in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. The event brought together key ministers and stakeholders to chart the future of aviation-led regional growth.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who attended as Chief Guest, underscored the state’s commitment to strengthening air connectivity. He stressed that better aviation links are vital for balanced regional development, industrial progress, and stronger cargo and logistics networks. Majhi reiterated Odisha’s readiness to collaborate with the aviation industry and the Centre to accelerate sectoral growth.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu called for deeper Centre–State–Industry partnerships to unlock the region’s aviation potential. “The Eastern Region, with its industrial hubs, coastline, thriving tourism, and growing Tier-II cities, is poised to become a major driver of India’s aviation story,” he said, adding that aviation is now a critical enabler of Viksit Bharat @2047, not a luxury.

Highlighting achievements under the UDAN scheme, Naidu said affordable air travel is today within the reach of millions. He also pointed to India’s rise as the third-largest domestic aviation market, backed by expanding airports, new regional airlines, and the government’s focus on aviation skilling and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities.

The Minister further noted the strategic role of Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) in creating a steady pipeline of trained professionals for the industry. He also emphasized the opportunities for sea planes in boosting tourism and last-mile connectivity in the Eastern region.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and Chhattisgarh Finance Minister Om Prakash Choudhary also addressed the gathering, sharing insights on regional aviation needs.

As part of the conference, Naidu and Mohol inaugurated the Udan Yatri Café at Bhubaneswar Airport—India’s fifth such facility designed to provide affordable refreshments to travelers. A children’s play arena was also opened at the airport to enhance the passenger experience.

The conference is seen as a milestone for aviation decentralisation, aiming to boost investment, innovation, and inclusivity in Eastern India’s air travel landscape.