I am a solopreneur based in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The lack of air connectivity between my city and other major cities across the country has significantly impacted my ability to grow my business. Travelling for work, conferences, and other business trips pan India has become an arduous task due to the limited flight options available.

Jabalpur is not just home to entrepreneurs like me but also hosts several industries, educational institutions, is the gateway to 3 main Tiger Reserves of MP and is also home to tourist attractions like the Dhuandhar Falls and Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, among other sites, which attract thousands of visitors every year. However, our city's potential for growth is being hampered by its inadequate air connectivity.

According to data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (India), there has been a steady increase in domestic air passenger traffic over the years. Despite this growth trend, my city  Jabalpur is struggling with limited flight connections - inspite of having recently spent Rs.498Cr on a brand new, swanky Airport, which seems an utter waste of tax payers' money now!

Jabalpur was earlier connected directly with 8/9+ big and small cities. The metro cities of Delhi and Bombay boasted multiple, well patronized daily direct flights from here. We have seen these cities' connectivity diminish in the last few years with the latest blow being flights being pulled out of Jabalpur and being given to Gwalior and Bhopal. Jabalpur has now been reduced to flights to and from Delhi, Indore and Hyderabad only!

We urge authorities to take immediate action on this issue. Restoring air connectivity between Jabalpur and multiple cities pan India will not only boost local businesses but also contribute towards regional development by attracting more tourists and fostering educational, business and other opportunities.

Please sign this petition if you believe in improving accessibility for all Indian citizens irrespective of where they live or work. Your support can make a significant difference in bringing about this much-needed change!