In a significant move to elevate Odisha’s aviation landscape, the state Cabinet has approved the “Building & Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN)” umbrella scheme.
Spearheaded by the Commerce & Transport Department of the Government of Odisha, this ambitious initiative carries a total outlay of ₹14,182 crore and will span five years from 2025 to 2030.
The scheme is designed to unify all facets of aviation under a single comprehensive framework, with the goal of establishing Odisha as a premier aviation hub in eastern India. It aligns with the inclusive vision of “Aviation for All (Samastanka Pa in Biman Seba),” aiming to make air travel accessible to every segment of society while fostering economic growth.
B-MAAN integrates seven key components to drive holistic development:
1. Infrastructure Development & Modernisation: The focus will be on building, upgrading, and maintaining airports and heliports statewide. This includes greenfield and brownfield projects in underserved regions to boost regional access and operational efficiency.
2. Air Connectivity & VGF Support: Airlines will receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and other incentives to improve connectivity, linking tier-II and tier-III towns with major cities through schemes like UDAN.
3. Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Ecosystem: World-class MRO facilities will be established and operationalised at Biju Patnaik International Airport and other strategic sites, promoting a self-reliant maintenance ecosystem and attracting private investments.
4. Emerging Technologies & Innovation: The scheme will promote cutting-edge technologies such as drones, seaplanes, e-VTOL aircraft, and aerospace manufacturing, positioning Odisha at the vanguard of new-age aviation and sustainable mobility.
5. Cargo & Logistics Development: Air cargo infrastructure will be strengthened to support agricultural exports, industrial logistics, and time-sensitive trade, integrating Odisha more deeply into national and global supply chains.
6. Capacity Building & Skill Development: Large-scale employment opportunities will be created through specialised training programs in aviation skills, flight training, and roles for technicians, pilots—especially girls—and ground-handling professionals, in collaboration with industry partners.
7. Institutional Strengthening: The Directorate of Aviation will be restructured and empowered to serve as a professional body for policy planning, coordination, and project execution across the state.
This landmark scheme marks a pivotal chapter in Odisha’s aviation journey, promising to enhance connectivity, spur innovation, generate employment, and attract investments. It is poised to provide a strong impetus to the state’s vision of “Viksit Odisha 2036,” emphasising inclusive and sustainable growth in the aviation sector.
