1.1. About Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, formed on 1st November, 2000, is the 10th largest state of India with an area of 135194 sq. km. The State is known for its electricity and steel production and contribute to 15% of steel production of India.

The State is being increasingly recognized as a leading brand for attracting investments in the Country and Credible Chhattisgarh is resonating across business houses. Economic and social development focusses on comprehensive and sustainable growth of the State and in creating gainful employment opportunities.

It is the exceptional combination of development through value addition to natural resources and diversification of industries, led by innovation and technology that places Chhattisgarh amongst the preferred business destinations in India.Centrally located in the Country, the State offers an added advantage of being able to grow into a hub to cater to and operate across regional markets in India.

1.2. Situation Analysis of Aviation Sector in Chhattisgarh

Aviation sector plays important role for linkages to trigger the economic, industrial and tourist growth. At present the aviation infrastructure and passenger traffic of state is small compared to other developed states. Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipuris the sole commercially operating airport. The Raipur airport received 0.93 million passengers and handled more than 8,000 flights in 2014-15. Further, connectivity would be augmented with the commencement of international flights.

The State has eight air strips located at Bhilai, Bilaspur, Korba, Raigarh, Jagdalpur, Ambikapur, Jashpur and Sarangarh regions. Aviation Sector in Chhattisgarh has witnessed growth owing to the measures adopted by the government such as Reduction of VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 4%, exemption of landing and parking charges on the conditional operation of flights, etc. Other factors such as economic growth and influx of tourists also supported the aviation industry of the State by keeping the demand buoyant. However, the air infrastructure in the State is still at a very nascent stage.

As per the assessment of Aviation Department of State, around 5000 numbers of passengers on monthly basis travels to foreign destinations. The current investments and tie-ups with foreign investors, especially in field of mining, power generation, urban development and tourist destinations will further increase the international air traffic from the state.

2.1 Vision Statement

The envisaged vision for Chhattisgarh Civil Aviation is as follows:

Development of State of the Art/ World classAviation Infrastructure to provide sustainable, affordable and smooth air connectivity at regional, national and international level.

Development of Resilient Aviation Infrastructure to promote inclusive, sustainable and affordable growth to support industrialisation and economic development

2.2 Objectives

The key objectives to achieve the vision are as follows:

a. Improvement in interstate and regional air connectivity by –

• Expansion / modernisation of existing airstrips/airports in to Domestic Airport, such as Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Raigrah, Ambikapur,Korba and Jashpur Nagar (Aghadih).
• Upgradation and augmentation of aviation infrastructure such as air navigationservices, runway, apron, night landing facilities, terminal building, passenger amenitiesetc.
• Promotion of intra and inter-state air connectivity between places of economic, industrial, tourism and religious interest ( Raipur- Bhubaneshwar, Raipur-Ranchi /Patna, Raipur – Jagdalpur- Vishakhapatnam/Hyderabad etc)
• Development of heliports / helipads in all important Districts, especially at places of touristand business importance.

b. Development of Aviation infrastructure by –

• Promotion of Aviation training institutes at Bilaspur, Ambikapur and Jagdalpur Domestic Airports through private sector participation.
• Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur.
• Air cargo, warehouse and other processing facilities at Bilaspur, Ambikapur and Jagdalpur Domestic Airports.

c. Promotion of State as preferred destination for aviation sector by –

• Developing the multimodal hinterland connectivity to airports through road and railways.
• Development of Greenfield Economic Area/Corridor (Aero City) to leverage the economic potential of new airports.
• Promotion of adventure and aero sport activities near to airports.
• Development/promotion of air ambulance facilities for medical emergencies and disastermanagement.

3. STRATEGY-2024

In order to achieve the vision and objects the Aviation Department and State Government will make requisite financial, incentives through policy / schemes and work in coordination with AAI and other concern departments. The outlined strategies are as follows:

• Insure the financial and budgetary assistance of State’s share for expansion and modernisation of existing airstrips / airports.
• Development of enabling framework /policies to encourage the private sector participation in aviation infrastructure in the state.
• Fulfilment of all State’s obligations and provision of expected facilities as per the New Civil Aviation Policy-2016 and Regional Connectivity Scheme(RCS) for improvementof air connectivity for un-served and underserved areas:
  • Provision ofland, free of cost and free from all encumbrances for development and expansion of RCS Airports
  • Provision of multi-modal hinterland connectivity (road, rail, metro etc.) as per the requirement
  • Commitment for Payment of 20% State’s share of VGF as per RCS scheme
  • Provision of free of cost security and fire services at RCS Airports
  • Provision of basic services such as water, electricity etc at nominal rate.
  • Reduction of VAT to 1% for Air Turbine Fuel (ATF)at RCS Airports and for RCS flights from other airports located within the state for a period of 10 years
• Facilitation in procurement of all relevant approvals and permits for development of airport.
• Promote development of Aero Cities around major airports based onviability studies
• Promotion for setting up of MRO facilities, aviation training facilities, infrastructure and tourism services at select airports, based onthe market potential

4. ACTION PLAN 2017 -2020