Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Monday, announced that his government will launch a cadet pilot programme to provide free training for tribal girls. Majhi made the announcement during the Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference for Civil Aviation in Bhubaneswar.
Under the cadet pilot programme, part of the state’s flagship B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) initiative, about 10 to 15 tribal girls per year for five years, will receive free comprehensive theoretical and practical pilot training, the CM said.
Highlighting several other key aviation projects in the state, the chief minister said that a world-class international airport is being built in Puri, and this airport will be a spiritual and cultural gateway for crores of Jagannath devotees from all over the world.
Along with this, land has been secured for the expansion of Jharsuguda airport. In the last 14 months of the new government, Odisha’s airports have established connectivity to 15 new destinations.
It is my great privilege to welcome all Hon’ble Ministers and esteemed dignitaries to Bhubaneswar for the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference. Hosting this important conference is indeed a proud moment for #Odisha. With the divine blessings of Mahaprbhu Shri… pic.twitter.com/E4FKlc5ViR
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 25, 2025
Due to its robust policy, the state has been successful in connecting Odisha with national and international air connectivity network, the CM stated.
Majhi further said that the state government is emphasizing skill development in the aviation sector with a worl-class new aviation training centre being planned for Birasal in Dhenkanal district to take Odisha forward in this field.
A progressive land allotment policy is being developed to facilitate flying training, UAV (drone) training, and air sports activities at the state’s airports, he stated.
There are also plans to develop 14 non-functional airstrips and set up 15 heliports in districts without airports.
The chief minister announced that his government is working to set up a total of 15 heliports in districts where there are no airports.
He further said that transformative initiatives like the UDAN scheme have inspired, which have truly democratised aviation and opened new horizons for eastern India.
“Aviation is not just limited to airports and air services, it is a unique effort to connect the dreams of our people with opportunities, strengthen our economy and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Majhi said.
Additionally, the state government signed two agreements with Air Works on the occasion. The first is for establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for aircraft at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The second agreement focuses on creating skill development, training, and job opportunities for the state’s youth.
