Odisha is preparing for a sweeping aviation infrastructure expansion with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announcing the development of 14 new airports and 15 heliports across the state. A new progressive land allotment policy for aviation facilities will also be rolled out to encourage flying training UAV operations and aero sports. The announcements were made on Monday at the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministersrsquo Conference in Bhubaneswar attended by representatives from Bihar West Bengal Jharkhand Chhattisgarh and Odisha along with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu. 14 Airports 15 Heliports On The Cards CM Majhi said the government is working to upgrade 14 unused airstrips into full-fledged airports while also planning 15 heliports in districts that currently lack air connectivity. These facilities will support passenger services training academies and aero sports creating multiple avenues within the aviation ecosystem. The CM asserted that many flying training institutes will conduct activities inside the newly constructed airports. The governmentrsquos new policy will ensure Odisha becomes a hub for pilot training UAV training and aero sports he added. Cadet Pilot Training For Tribal Girls Under the statersquos flagship initiative B-MAAN Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network a cadet pilot programme will be launched to train tribal girls to become commercial pilots. The state government signed an agreement with Air Works one of Indiarsquos leading Maintenance Repair and Overhaul MRO companies to establish a modern facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport BPIA in Bhubaneswar. The MRO to be set up on the airport apron will provide services for aircraft maintenance while creating opportunities for youth training skill development and employment.