Finally Jagdalpur in Bastar will be connected by air. Regular flights from Hyderabad and Raipur will now directly land at Jagdalpur,  known for its natural beauty and Chitrakote waterfalls.

The first flight has already landed from Hyderabad at the Maa Dantewashwari Airport as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated a 72-seater regular flight for air travel.

Jagdalpur airport has been developed over an area of 57.6 hectares under the Centre’s Udan scheme.

The connectivity will shorten the time taken by road journey and us expected to boost tourism.

Baghel said in his address that the air service will unleash major opportunities for the development of the Bastar division.

The Chief Minister stated that it would take only one hour to fly from Bastar to Raipur and Hyderabad, from where one can travel to anywhere in the world. At present, it takes six hours to reach Bastar from Raipur by road and nearly 12 hours  from Hyderabad.

The air service will not only promote tourism but also play a key role in medical emergencies, he said. Besides, it will help in the development of banking and telecom sectors in the Bastar region.

An Amcho Bastar Canteen was also opened at the airport terminal, which will be run by families affected by Maoist violence.

Flights will be operated daily..