Odisha to Emerge as Aviation MRO Hub: Ahuja
Bhubaneswar, Jan 6 : Odisha is poised to become a premier destination for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and airlines, boosting India’s aviation sector, according to State Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholder consultation organized by the Commerce and Transport Department on Monday, Ahuja emphasized Odisha’s vision to lead India’s aviation industry. “Our goal is to establish Odisha as a leader in India’s aviation sector,” he said.

The consultation drew participation from key industry stakeholders, 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.

Strategic Framework for Aviation Growth

The discussions revolved around crafting an investor-friendly policy framework to position Odisha as a preferred destination for MRO operators in eastern India under the state’s Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022.

Principal Secretary for Commerce and Transport, Usha Padhee, highlighted Odisha’s strategic advantage, citing the state’s plans to leverage airports in Jharsuguda, Bhubaneswar, and Puri. She emphasized the IPR 2022’s provision of a 30 percent capital subsidy for MRO investments and Odisha’s commitment to fostering skill development programs to ensure a highly trained workforce.

Global Partnerships and Incentives

Padhee underscored the state’s collaboration with the Government of Singapore to integrate global best practices into aviation and MRO operations. She also reiterated Odisha’s commitment to sustainability initiatives and global partnerships, ensuring a competitive and forward-looking aviation ecosystem.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Locations: Focus on Jharsuguda, Bhubaneswar, and Puri Airports.
• Investor Incentives: 30% capital subsidy for MRO investments under IPR 2022.
• Global Collaboration: Partnership with Singapore for adopting best practices.
• Skill Development: Workforce training programs to meet industry demands.

The consultation marked a step forward in Odisha’s ambition to establish itself as a global aviation hub, promising a significant boost to India’s aviation infrastructure and economic growth.