In a significant development, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Gwalior-Ahmedabad flight route, signaling a new era of connectivity and economic growth. The event, graced by the virtual presence of Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, emphasized the strategic importance of this air service.
Shri Scindia, in his inaugural address, highlighted that the Gwalior-Ahmedabad flight would cover the 870-kilometer distance in just two hours, operating once a week with plans to increase frequency. The minister expressed confidence that this service would not only bolster business, commerce, and tourism but also provide a significant economic boost to both states.
Speaking about the infrastructure development at the Gwalior airport, Shri Scindia announced the completion of the dream project in just 16 months, unveiling a grand terminal building costing Rs 498 crore. With a peak hour capacity for 1400 passengers, triple that of the old airport, the new terminal is set to facilitate the movement of around 2 million passengers annually.
The minister also underscored the remarkable growth in connectivity for Gwalior, from being linked to only two cities in 2014 to now connecting seven cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Ayodhya. There are now 66 flight movements from Gwalior every week, marking an 181% increase since 2014.
Shri Scindia further outlined the aviation sector’s development in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting an increase from 12 to 31 connected cities, reflecting a 158% growth. The state has witnessed a surge in flights from 473 in 2014 to 968 in 2024, indicating a significant leap in air connectivity. Several new terminal buildings and airports are under construction, contributing to Madhya Pradesh’s emerging as a key state for pilot training.
| Flt No | Org | Des | Dep | Arr | Block | EQP | Freq | From | Till |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QP1704 | AMD | GWL | 10:55 | 12:45 | 01:50 | 7M8 | 4 | 01-Feb-24 | 01-Feb-24 |
| QP1705 | GWL | AMD | 13:20 | 14:50 | 01:30 | 7M8 | 4 | 01-Feb-24 | 01-Feb-24 |
| QP1704 | AMD | GWL | 10:55 | 12:45 | 01:50 | 7M8 | 1 | 05-Feb-24 | 25-Mar-24 |
| QP1705 | GWL | AMD | 13:20 | 14:50 | 01:30 | 7M8 | 1 | 05-Feb-24 | 25-Mar-24 |
The launch of the Gwalior-Ahmedabad flight route aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen the country’s transportation network, particularly connecting tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Dignitaries present at the event included Shri Kirit Premjibhai Solanki, Member of Parliament, Ahmedabad West, Shri Pradhuman Singh Tomar, Energy Minister in the Madhya Pradesh Government, Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah, Social Justice & Disabled Welfare, Horticulture, and Food Processing Minister, along with officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Madhya Pradesh government. This initiative holds immense promise for the economic and cultural development of Gwalior and the region at large.
