Bhubaneswar: In its ambitious plan to position Odisha as a global aviation hub, the state government held a consultative meeting with the major stakeholders on development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities on Monday.
The high-level stakeholder consultation, hosted by the Commerce and Transport department, was chaired by chief secretary Manoj Ahuja. Principal secretary of the department Usha Padhee and prominent industry players, including GMR Group, Star Air, Safran, Max Aerospace, Pritnee Aerospace, and the MRO Association of India, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation participated in the meeting.
The discussions centered on formulating an investor-friendly policy framework to establish Odisha as a preferred destination for MRO operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and airlines in the eastern region under the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022.
Padhee outlined Odisha’s ambitious plans to position itself as a global aviation hub by leveraging the strategic potential of Jharsuguda, Bhubaneswar, and Puri airports. “Odisha’s competitive advantage lies in its position as an aluminium production leader, coupled with its strong industrial ecosystem, making it an ideal location for world-class MRO facilities,” she said.
“Through IPR 2022, we are committed to providing significant financial incentives, such as a 30% capital subsidy for MRO investments, while fostering skill development programmes to ensure a skilled workforce,” she added.
She also highlighted the state’s collaboration with the Singapore government to adopt global best practices in aviation and MRO operations, reinforcing Odisha’s international outlook.
The chief secretary emphasised the state’s proactive approach to policy-making and said, “Our goal is to establish Odisha as a leader in India’s aviation industry. We are developing bespoke policies and offering substantial incentives, including skill development programs, to empower local talent and ensure sustained industrial growth. This initiative is a pivotal step towards achieving the vision of a Viksit Odisha.”
The consultation witnessed active deliberations on global partnerships, sustainability, and skill development strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to MRO development.
