The upgrade work on the airstrip at Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur has been completed, costing 480 million, and commercial flights can commence. The airstrip has been upgraded from category 2C to 3C to facilitate the operations of 70-72 seater aircraft under the UDAN scheme. Ambikapur, the divisional headquarters of Sarguja, possesses abundant coal reserves, and the airport will be the fourth public-serving one in Chhattisgarh, following Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Bilaspur. The initial test flight touched down on May 4 while a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was inspecting the site. After receiving approval from the DGCA, the state government will submit a proposal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to initiate flights to Delhi, Varanasi, and Raipur, stated Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel after inspecting the airstrip. Ambikapur airport is one of the oldest in the country, having been constructed in 1950 after independence. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi landed at the airstrip in 1974. With improved air connectivity, tourism in Sarguja will experience rapid growth, remarked Baghel. The length of the airstrip has been extended to 1,800 metres, which is sufficient for commercial flights. The area spans 374 acres, and the state government has requested aviation authorities to create action plans to accommodate larger aircraft, as per Baghel. The chief minister stated that the state government had been advocating for the upgrade for a considerable period at the state and national levels. We consistently raised the issue with the aviation ministry and have finally achieved the desired results, he added. Situated in the northern region of Chhattisgarh, Sarguja holds commercial significance. The Hasdeo-Arand coalfield is located in the area. Additionally, the region boasts significant tourism potential. The hill station of Mainpat is referred to as the Shimla of Chhattisgarh. However, it failed to gain recognition on national and international tourism maps due to inadequate connectivity. Also Read Prayagraj Airport Set for Expansion Ahead of Mahakumbh 2025Copenhagen Airport Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plan