The Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur could soon come under private operation as the Centre prepares to offer 11 airports to private players under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a concession period of up to 50 years.

The proposal has received in-principle approval from the Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). Under the proposed model, the 11 airports will be divided into five groups, with larger airports being clubbed with smaller or mid-sized airports. A single private operator would be responsible for the operation and development of airports within each group.

The government expects the arrangement to attract private investment while improving airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and passenger facilities.

Raipur and Aurangabad in One Group

Under the proposed grouping, Raipur and Aurangabad airports have been placed together. The other proposed groups are Amritsar-Kangra Gaggal, Varanasi-Gaya-Kushinagar, Bhubaneswar-Hubballi and Tiruchirappalli-Tirupati.

The grouping model is intended to make the smaller and mid-sized airports more attractive to private operators by combining them with airports that have stronger passenger traffic and revenue potential.

₹8,622 Crore Investment Estimated

Private investment of around ₹8,622 crore is estimated across the development and operation of the 11 airports under the proposed PPP model. The Raipur-Aurangabad group is also expected to attract private investment as part of the arrangement.

The government has also proposed limiting the number of groups that can be awarded to a single bidder. The provision is aimed at preventing excessive concentration of airport operations with one company and reducing risks associated with high levels of debt.

Provision for AAI Employees

The proposal also includes provisions concerning existing employees of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

According to the plan, the private operator would initially have to operate the airport in coordination with AAI for one year. After that transition period, the operator would be required to retain at least 60% of AAI employees for a minimum period of three years, as proposed.

The provision is intended to ensure a smoother transition from public to private operation and provide continuity for existing airport staff.

Airports Selected Through Data-Based Process

The 11 airports were selected following a phased assessment by AAI. Initially, 12 major airports were evaluated on parameters including passenger traffic, availability of land, revenue potential and financial viability.

The authorities subsequently assessed 136 smaller airports to determine how they could be paired with larger airports under the PPP model.

Based on this assessment, 11 airports have been shortlisted for the current phase of the proposed PPP programme.

If implemented, the plan would mark a significant change in the operational structure of Raipur's airport, with private participation expected to bring investment and potentially expand infrastructure and passenger services.

The Madhya Pradesh government has taken a major step towards reviving and modernising public transport by finalising 40 intercity routes for the operation of state-run buses. As part of the proposed State Road Transport Scheme, the government has invited objections and suggestions from the public within 30 days before the plan is formally implemented.

Once the notification process is completed, the government will begin operating buses on the notified routes through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The initiative aims to provide safe, reliable and time-bound public transport services while leveraging technology to improve passenger convenience.

One of the key highlights of the new transport system is the introduction of electronic ticketing and real-time GPS tracking. According to the Transport Department, every bus will be equipped with tracking devices that will update its live location every 10 seconds. Passengers will be able to monitor the exact location of buses through an official website, making travel planning easier and more transparent.

E-Tickets and Live Tracking to Enhance Passenger Experience

Under the new policy, passengers will receive electronic tickets instead of conventional paper tickets. The digital ticketing system is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual errors and make fare collection more transparent.

Additionally, GPS-enabled tracking devices installed in every bus will transmit real-time location updates every 10 seconds. This feature will allow commuters to check bus movements online, helping them estimate arrival times and reduce waiting periods at bus stops.

The government also plans to deploy a higher number of buses on routes experiencing heavy passenger traffic to ensure better connectivity and reduce overcrowding.

Operations to Be Managed Under PPP Model

The Transport Department has issued a notification stating that the services will be operated by Madhya Pradesh Passenger Bus Transport and Infrastructure Limited on the notified routes.

Permits will be issued in the name of the state transport undertaking, while private bus operators will be engaged through agreements under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The state government believes this model will combine public oversight with private sector efficiency to deliver improved transport services across Madhya Pradesh.

Officials said the new transport policy is designed to establish a structured, safe and punctual public bus network across the state. Bus operations are expected to commence within seven days after the scheme is officially implemented.

40 Major Intercity Routes Notified

The proposed network will connect several key districts across Madhya Pradesh through 40 major intercity routes.

Cities and districts included in the scheme include Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Ratlam, Dhar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Shivpuri, Guna, Shajapur, Dewas, Sehore and Narsinghpur, among others.

The government expects the expanded network to improve regional connectivity and provide affordable public transport options for daily commuters as well as long-distance travellers.

Different Categories of Buses Planned

According to the scheme, different categories of buses will be deployed depending on the route and passenger demand.

For regular routes, midi buses with a seating capacity of 23 to 34 passengers will operate in Ordinary, Semi-Deluxe and Deluxe categories.

For major intercity routes, standard buses with seating capacities ranging from 35 to 70 passengers will be introduced. These buses will be available in AC Deluxe, AC Luxury and AC Super Luxury categories to offer enhanced comfort for long-distance travel.

The state government believes the initiative will significantly strengthen Madhya Pradesh's public transport infrastructure while encouraging greater use of organised and technology-driven bus services.