Bhubaneswar: In a bid to establish Odisha as a key player in India’s aviation industry, the state government has initiated consultations to develop Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. A high-level consultation, hosted by the Commerce and Transport Department, was conducted, bringing together industry leaders and officials to discuss the development of MRO facilities in the state.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who chaired the meeting, emphasised that the state’s goal is to position Odisha as a leader in India’s aviation sector. “We are developing tailored policies, offering substantial incentives, and creating skill development programs to empower local talent and support industrial growth. This initiative aligns with our vision of a ‘Viksit Odisha,'” Ahuja said.
The consultation focused on innovation, infrastructure, and fostering a robust aviation ecosystem. Commerce and Transport Department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted the participation of prominent industry players, including GMR Group, Star Air, Safran, Max Aerospace, Pritnee Aerospace, and the MRO Association of India, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The discussions centered on developing an investor-friendly policy framework to position Odisha as the preferred destination for MRO operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and airlines in Eastern India, as part of the state’s Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022.
Padhee outlined Odisha’s plan to leverage the strategic potential of Jharsuguda, Bhubaneswar, and Puri airports to create a global aviation hub. She added, “Odisha’s competitive advantage lies in its leadership in aluminium production, coupled with a strong industrial ecosystem, making it an ideal location for world-class MRO facilities.”
The state is offering financial incentives under the Industrial Policy Resolution 2022, including a 30% capital subsidy for MRO investments, along with skill development programs to ensure a trained workforce. The collaboration with the Government of Singapore to adopt international best practices in aviation and MRO operations further bolsters Odisha’s global outlook.
The consultation saw active discussions on global partnerships, sustainability, and strategies for skill development, ensuring a holistic approach to MRO development. Odisha’s strategic location, abundant resources, and progressive policies position it as a strong contender to become a major hub for MRO operators, OEMs, and airlines, contributing to the enhancement of India’s aviation infrastructure.
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