Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The Odisha government has given the green light to the 'B-MAAN' (Building & Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme, a major initiative designed to transform the state into a leading aviation hub in eastern India. The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the ambitious plan on Saturday.

The B-MAAN scheme is an umbrella initiative by the Commerce & Transport Department with a total outlay of ₹14,182 crore for five years, spanning from 2025 to 2030. The scheme aims to consolidate all aspects of the aviation sector under a single, comprehensive framework, with the inclusive vision of "Aviation for All".

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja explained that the B-MAAN scheme is designed to bring all aspects of aviation under one comprehensive framework. The initiative is expected to position Odisha as a leading aviation hub in eastern India with the vision of 'Aviation for All'.

The B-MAAN scheme is structured around seven core components:

• Infrastructure Development & Modernization: Focuses on developing, upgrading, and maintaining airports and heliports across Odisha. This includes establishing both Greenfield and Brownfield airports in underserved regions to improve regional access.
• Air Connectivity & VGF Support: Provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and other incentives to airlines to strengthen regional air connectivity. This aims to connect Tier-II and Tier-III cities with major urban centers through schemes like UDAN.
• Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Ecosystem: Establishes world-class MRO facilities at Biju Patnaik International Airport and other strategic locations. This will create a self-reliant maintenance ecosystem and attract crucial private investment.
• Emerging Technologies & Innovation: Promotes the adoption of futuristic technologies such as drones, seaplanes, e-VTOL aircraft, and aerospace manufacturing. This is intended to keep Odisha at the forefront of new-age and green mobility.
• Cargo & Logistics Development: Strengthens air cargo infrastructure to facilitate agricultural exports, industrial logistics, and time-sensitive trade. This will deepen Odisha's integration with national and global value chains.
• Capacity Building & Skill Development: Focuses on creating large-scale employment opportunities through skill development initiatives within the aviation sector.
• Institutional Strengthening: Restructures and empowers the Directorate of Aviation to function as a professional agency. This agency will be responsible for strategic policy planning, coordination, and efficient execution of aviation projects throughout the state.

The B-MAAN scheme is considered a significant step forward in Odisha's industrial and economic transformation. By boosting connectivity, innovation, employment, and investment, the initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the broader vision of 'Viksit Odisha 2036' through inclusive and sustainable growth within the aviation sector.