Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Leader of Opposition (LOP) Umang Singhar countered Finance Minister Jagdish Devda during the Madhya Pradesh budget session, questioning the government’s ambitious statements on the airstrip development.

Notably, FM Devda was making an announcement to develop airstrips in remote and tribal areas like Jhabua, Shahdol, when LoP Singhar interrupted.

“Hawai pattiyon par kutte ghoom rahe hain, gaaye gobar kar rahi hain, pattiyan khali padi hain. Aap sirf aankde bata rahe hain, aankdon se kya hoga?” (Dogs are roaming on these airstrips, cows are leaving dung, and the runways are empty. You are only giving numbers, but what will happen with just numbers?), Singhar brushed off the government's air connectivity announcements .

The Finance Minister announced Rs 4.21 lakh crore budget in the assembly on Wednesday. He spoke out several upcoming government development works band announced allocation department wise. Talking about aviation, FM Devda said that under the ‘Udaan’ scheme, airstrips in Chhindwara, Neemuch, Shahdol, Shivpuri, Khandwa, Mandla, Jhabua, and Ujjain are being developed to connect Madhya Pradesh with other big cities in the country.

Singhar’s words caused a reaction in the assembly, putting focus on the real condition of these airstrips and raising doubts about the government’s claims.

The newest in MP-- Rewa airport has been built on 300 acres of land, with the Madhya Pradesh government providing the land for free. It features an 1800-meter runway, suitable for ATR 72 aircraft, along with two parking ways and the capacity to handle 100 passengers at a time.

However, there are reports of low demand here due to the ticket price, starting from Rs 3100, and the lacking development parity in the region.

Flights from Rewa will operate to Bhopal and Khajuraho, but there are concerns about low footfall, as the region does not have a high demand for air travel.

Flights from Rewa will operate to Bhopal and Khajuraho, but there are concerns about low footfall, as the region does not have a high demand for air travel.

Many people in Rewa and nearby areas may find air tickets expensive, making it uncertain how frequently the airport will be used.