Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai to virtually inaugurate the service*

Raipur,/ In a major boost to regional connectivity, Surguja division in north Chhattisgarh is set to get regular flight services to Delhi and Kolkata from Maa Mahamaya Airport in Darima (Ambikapur), opening new avenues for development.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai will virtually inaugurate the services from Raipur at 10:00 AM on March 30, while a programme will be held at the PG College Auditorium in Ambikapur in the presence of MPs, MLAs, public representatives, officials and citizens.

As per information, under the new air service, a 72-seater ATR aircraft will be operated by Alliance Air. The Ambikapur–Delhi flight will operate twice a week on Monday and Wednesday. On Monday, the flight will depart from Delhi at 7:50 AM and reach Bilaspur at 10:25 AM, again depart from there at 10:50 AM and arrive in Ambikapur at 11:35 AM. The same flight will then depart from Ambikapur at 12:05 PM and reach Delhi at 2:35 PM. On Wednesday, the direct flight will depart from Delhi at 7:50 AM and reach Ambikapur at 10:25 AM, then leave Ambikapur at 10:50 AM for Bilaspur, arriving at 11:35 AM and from there depart at 12:00 noon to reach Delhi at 2:40 PM.

Flights from Ambikapur to Kolkata will also operate twice a week. On Saturday, the flight will depart from Kolkata at 7:05 AM and reach Bilaspur at 8:55 AM, depart at 9:20 AM and arrive in Ambikapur at 10:00 AM. It will then depart from Ambikapur at 10:25 AM and reach Kolkata at 12:15 PM. On Thursday, a direct flight will depart from Kolkata at 7:05 AM and reach Ambikapur at 8:50 AM, then leave Ambikapur at 9:15 AM for Bilaspur, arriving at 9:55 AM, and from there depart at 10:20 AM to reach Kolkata at 12:05 PM.

The new flight services will strengthen connectivity for Ambikapur and the Bilaspur region, providing direct access to Kolkata and boosting regional economic activity. Ambikapur, Surguja Division’s headquarters, is a key administrative, educational and commercial hub with rich natural resources and significant tourism potential, including Mainpat, Tatapani and scenic waterfalls.

With the launch of air services, Surguja Division will be directly linked to Delhi and Kolkata, boosting business, investment, and market access for local products. The move is also set to boost tourism, create jobs in hotels, transport and services, and improve healthcare access for critically ill patients needing metropolitan treatment.

Notably, Maa Mahamaya Airport, Darima has been developed under the Central Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). The airstrip, constructed in the year 1950, was expanded with the runway length increased from 1500 metres to 1800 metres, allowing operation of larger aircraft such as ATR. 

Maa Mahamaya Airport, Darima, Ambikapur is spread over approximately 365 acres. An amount of Rs 48.25 crore was approved for civil and electrification works, ensuring that all works at the airport comply with DGCA standards. The terminal building of Maa Mahamaya Airport has been upgraded to accommodate 72 passengers. The airport also has parking facilities for about 100 vehicles, along with a four-lane road constructed up to the terminal building.