Bhubaneswar: The Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN), a key initiative by the Commerce and Transport department for holistic development of the aviation sector, got the Odisha cabinet nod on Saturday.
The initiative with a total outlay of Rs 14,182 crore aims to position Odisha as a leading aviation hub in eastern lndia under the inclusive vision “Samastanka Pain Biman Seba” (Aviation for all).
After the meeting, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed the media on the seven key components of B-MAAN: infrastructure development and modernisation, air connectivity and viable gap funding, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem, emerging technologies and innovation, cargo and logistics development, capacity building and skill development, and institutional strengthening.
He highlighted that infrastructure development would focus on building, upgrading, and maintaining airports and heliports across the state.
Ahuja also emphasised promoting advanced technologies like drones, seaplanes, e-VTOL aircraft, and aerospace manufacturing to position Odisha as a leader in modern aviation and green mobility.
The chief secretary said that strengthening air cargo infrastructure will also be part of the scheme.
Additionally, the state will prioritise aviation-related skill development, offering training programme for pilots (with a focus on women), technicians, and ground-handling staff in partnership with top industry players, he added.
