Eastern Aviation Meet Backs Regional Growth & Skill Push
28 Aug 2025 CW Team
The Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025 was held on 25th August in Bhubaneswar, jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Odisha. The event marked a pivotal moment for regional aviation development, skill creation, and Centre–State–Industry collaboration.
The conference was graced by Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha; Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Civil Aviation Minister; Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation; along with senior ministers from Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Strategic Announcements
Shri Rammohan Naidu highlighted the critical role of the Eastern Region—rich in industry, coastal access, and tourism—in transforming India into a global aviation powerhouse. He emphasised that aviation is now an enabler of Viksit Bharat @2047, not a luxury. Under the UDAN scheme, 12 airports and 115 regional routes have been made operational in the region alone.
The Minister also underscored the significance of aviation skilling, calling for enhanced training capacity via Flight Training Organisations (FTOs), particularly to support India's fast-growing domestic aviation market—now the third largest globally.
Key Projects and MoUs
During the event, several important MoUs and Letters of Intent were exchanged:
- Anchor MRO Facility at Bhubaneswar Airport to be developed by Air Works India, in collaboration with the Commerce and Transport Department, Odisha. It will cater to both domestic and global aircraft operators and create skilled job opportunities.
- Cadet Pilot Programme (CPP) in collaboration with Air India, focused on empowering Odia tribal girls to pursue careers in aviation.
- Skill Development Training under the Nua Odisha scheme, offering six-month technical training in aircraft surface preparation and painting for 20 local candidates.
Vision for Infrastructure & Growth
Shri Murlidhar Mohol announced the growth of Indian aviation infrastructure from 74 to 162 airports in 11 years, and highlighted key upcoming developments in the East, including:
- New terminal at Patna Airport
- New civil enclave at Bihta
- Operational readiness of Purnia Airport
- In-principle approval for a Greenfield Airport in Puri
He also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to a future-ready, inclusive aviation ecosystem.
State Support and Policy Direction
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Shri Majhi, reiterated the state’s commitment to collaborative development in civil aviation. Ministers from Chhattisgarh and Odisha stressed the importance of decentralised planning and support for last-mile connectivity, cargo logistics, and economic upliftment through regional air access.
The conference also witnessed active participation from the governments of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, along with senior officials from the DGCA, BCAS, Airports Authority of India, and over 100 aviation stakeholders, including OEMs, airlines, MROs, FTOs, drone companies, and cargo operators.
Initiatives and Announcements
- Inauguration of the Udan Yatri Café at Bhubaneswar Airport, the fifth such café nationwide, offering affordable refreshments.
- Launch of a children’s play arena to enhance the airport experience for families.
- Ministry presentations on UDAN, drone ecosystems, helipads, airport development models, and aviation safety roles of state governments.
Looking Ahead
Attention was drawn to the upcoming Wings India 2026, to be held from 28th–31st January 2026, a flagship global civil aviation platform co-hosted by the Ministry, Airports Authority of India, and FICCI.
The Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference reinforced the Centre’s agenda to unlock aviation-led regional development by focusing on decentralisation, private participation, skill enhancement, and sustainable infrastructure.