Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Satna Airport and the upgraded Datia Airport in Madhya Pradesh, marking a major step towards enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure development under the UDAN scheme.
The inauguration events were held simultaneously at both airport sites in the presence of state and local officials. The development is expected to significantly benefit the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions by providing improved access to air travel and boosting regional growth.
Satna Airport: A New Regional Hub
Developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹36.96 crore, the Satna Airport is designed to serve as a key regional hub in the northeastern part of Madhya Pradesh. Known for its cultural and industrial importance, Satna will now have enhanced connectivity to important centres such as Chitrakoot and Maihar.
The airport features a terminal building spread across 768 square metres, capable of handling 50 passengers during peak hours and accommodating up to 2.5 lakh passengers annually. The facility includes a recarpeted runway, parking bays for Dornier-228 aircraft, an Air Traffic Control tower, and a fire station.
The airport is equipped with sustainable features such as 100% LED lighting, solar-powered streetlights, and a treated water reuse system for horticulture.
Datia Airport: Boosting Religious and Cultural Tourism
The upgraded Datia Airport has been developed at a cost of ₹60.63 crore. It connects the historic town of Datia—known for the Peetambara Peeth and the Datia Palace—to the national aviation network.
The terminal building, also measuring 768 square metres, can accommodate 150 peak-hour passengers, with a projected annual capacity of 2.5 lakh passengers. The airport is currently equipped to operate ATR-72 aircraft, with future plans to support Airbus A-320 operations.
Key infrastructure includes a recarpeted runway, apron bays, ATC tower, and firefighting facilities. Sustainability measures such as rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient lighting have also been incorporated.
Driving Economic and Social Growth
The operationalisation of both airports is expected to bring considerable economic and social benefits, including enhanced mobility, job creation, and growth in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare.
The projects reflect the Government of India’s commitment to making air travel accessible to all, as envisioned under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, and to ensuring balanced regional development by strengthening last-mile infrastructure.
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