Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai inaugurated Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service at Swami Vivekananda Airport.
Raipur 19 December/Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai inaugurated the Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service today at Swami Vivekananda Airport.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that today another historic step has been taken towards the development of Chhattisgarh. The launch of Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service is a symbol of the expansion of our regional connectivity. The starting fare of this service is only Rs 999, which ensures that the general public can also avail the benefits of air travel. 
He said that this is a big example of the change that has taken place in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He had said that anyone wearing slippers will also ride an airplane and today that dream is coming true. Air connectivity to remote areas like Surguja and Bastar will not only provide facilities to the citizens but will also increase tourism and economic activities in these areas. The state government has developed the airport of Ambikapur at a cost of Rs 80 crore. Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur has received 3C VFR category license. This airport is suitable for operation of 72-seater ATR-72 aircraft.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that work is also going on on the plan to connect Ambikapur with Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Our Chhattisgarh has immense potential for natural beauty, historical heritage, and eco-tourism. Tourists from India and abroad will now have easy access to places like Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, Ramgarh Hills and Chitrakote Falls, known as the Niagra of Asia. Along with this, expansion of air connectivity will also improve the investment environment. Our government has given special encouragement to enterprises like home stays and resorts in the new industrial policy, which is creating huge employment opportunities for the local youth. Our endeavor is to take Chhattisgarh to new heights in the field of aviation in the next four years.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the New Year is about to come, and I urge all of you to take advantage of this new air service and enjoy the natural beauty of Surguja. Fly Big Charter Company will provide services to these cities through 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft.
The aircraft was given a water salute on takeoff. MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj and his wife boarded as the first passenger of the air service that started today, to whom Chief Minister Shri Sai gave a boarding pass and said that today you have made history. You are the first traveler on this route, best wishes to you. On this occasion, MLA Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Mr. Prabodh Minj, Mr. Ramkumar Toppo, Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Basavaraju, Director Aviation Department Mr. Sanjeev Jha, CMD of Fly Big Company Mr. Sanjay Mandaviya were present.
