Madhya Pradesh is poised to emerge as a major logistics hub in Central India, with plans underway to launch direct international flights from Indore and Bhopal to Dubai. MP Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav made the announcement on the second day of his official visit to Dubai, where he met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Emirates Airline and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
Regional air cargo hub to be laid in Central India
During the meeting, both sides expressed interest in developing a regional air cargo hub in Central India. The UAE has also shown willingness to collaborate in aviation training, Maintenance-Repair-Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure, and establishing joint training institutes in Madhya Pradesh.
Investment talks held with global industrial groups
Speaking to media-persons in Dubai, CM Yadav underlined potential partnerships to boost inbound tourism and the possibility of an Emirates Aviation Academy campus being set up in the state.
In high-level discussions with international industrial groups and investors, several concrete proposals were put forth, such as:
- BDO Edge Head of Advisory, Shivendra Jha, proposed establishing a 150-seater Global Capability Centre in Bhopal and a Digital Centre in Indore.
- Sharaf DG Group Chairman, Ibrahim Sharaf, announced plans to develop a Rail Siding Logistics Park in Madhya Pradesh with an investment of USD 30–50 million.
- CM Yadav also met Pankaj Gupta, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), to explore collaborations in healthcare, logistics parks, industrial real estate, education, food processing, and manufacturing.
Aviation, tourism infrastructure to receive a boost
Officials noted that Madhya Pradesh is actively seeking aviation collaboration with Dubai across multiple sectors, including the development of aviation training institutions, infrastructure modernisation, and expansion of cargo and passenger services.
These developments are expected to strengthen air connectivity, attract foreign investment , and position Madhya Pradesh as a regional aviation and logistics hub, opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and skill development.
