Odisha Cabinet approves ₹4,182 cr-scheme to give wings to aviation sector

The Odisha government on Saturday (October 25, 2025) approved the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme to boost the State’s aviation sector through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and other incentives.

Designed to bring all aspects of aviation under a single comprehensive framework, the ambitious scheme aims to position Odisha as a leading aviation hub in eastern India under the inclusive vision Samastanka Pain Biman Seba (Aviation for All), the government said in a statement.

A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi cleared the umbrella initiative, which entails an investment of ₹4,182 crore over five years (2025–2030).

According to the statement, B-MAAN integrates key components such as infrastructure development, modernization, and the upgradation and maintenance of airports and heliports across the State. It will cover both greenfield and brownfield airports in underserved regions to enhance regional access and operational efficiency.

A dedicated fund under the scheme will extend VGF and other incentives to airlines to strengthen regional air connectivity, linking tier-II and tier-III towns with major cities under UDAN and similar programmes.

The scheme also proposes to create a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem in Odisha. “Establishment and operationalisation of world-class MRO facilities at Biju Patnaik International Airport and other strategic locations will help build a self-reliant aviation maintenance ecosystem and attract private investment,” the government said.

In addition, promotion of futuristic technologies—including drones, seaplanes, e-VTOL aircraft, and aerospace manufacturing—will ensure Odisha remains at the forefront of new-age aviation and green mobility.

B-MAAN also aims to strengthen air cargo infrastructure to support agricultural exports, industrial logistics, and time-sensitive trade, integrating Odisha more deeply into national and global value chains.

According to the Commerce and Transport Department, the nodal agency for implementing the scheme, B-MAAN is expected to generate large-scale employment through aviation-focused skilling, flight training, and specialised programmes for technicians, pilots — especially women — and ground-handling professionals, in collaboration with reputed industry partners.