Parliament Question: Aviation growth in Eastern Region

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3361 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd March 2026 AVIATION GROWTH IN EASTERN REGION 3361. SHRI SUJEET KUMAR Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) the initiatives undertaken since August 2025 to deepen Centre-State-Industry collaboration in the Eastern Region, particularly in the State of Odisha, for civil aviation growth, especially through infrastructure, connectivity and skills development; (b) the number of airports, routes under the UDAN scheme and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities that have become operational in the Eastern Region, including Odisha, during this period; (c) the details of likely impact and expected contributions of these initiatives; and (d) the timeframe and milestones set by Government for further expansion of aviation access in Tier-II and Tier-III cities in the Eastern Region, including Odisha? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (d): The modernisation and development of airport infrastructure is a continuous process which is undertaken based on passenger demand forecasts, operational and safety requirements and airline needs. To strengthen regional aviation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation organised the Regional Civil Aviation Ministers' Conferences for structured engagement with States and industry stakeholders on airport development, UDAN connectivity, skill development and ecosystem growth. The Eastern Region Conference held on 25th August 2025 at Bhubaneswar provided a platform for Odisha, Jharkhand and other Eastern States to discuss opportunities for aviation expansion. Under UDAN, Purnea Airport in Bihar was developed and inaugurated on 15th September 2025, and is now connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. In 2025, AAI allotted land for MRO facilities to the State Government at Bhubaneswar Airport and to Everdeliver Logistics Pvt. Ltd. at Kolkata Airport. DGCA also approved one Flying Training Organisation (FTO) at Dumka, Jharkhand in August 2025.UDAN has strengthened the Eastern Region by improving connectivity and accessibility, boosting tourism and industry, enhancing access to healthcare and generating direct and indirect employment. The Government has further announced the Modified UDAN Scheme to expand regional connectivity to 120 new destinations, including the Eastern Region, targeting 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. ******