State’s 6.5cr VVIP hanger finally operational after 13-year delay

Raipur: Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday inaugurated the regular operations of the State Hangar meant for VVIP movements near Swami Vivekananda Airport, Mana Camp in Raipur. The new arrangement will eliminate inconvenience to regular air passengers during VVIP arrivals and departures, a long-standing issue at the airport's main terminal, officials said."The dedicated hangar will now handle all state and VVIP aircraft movements, ensuring smoother coordination and improved security management," a govt statement read.Following the inauguration,CM took off for his official visit to Gujarat from the same facility — marking its first official use.Originally constructed in 2012 by the Public Works Department (PWD) at a cost of Rs 6.5 crore, the state hangar had remained non-operational for over a decade due to pending clearances. After years of follow-up, the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) and the bureau of civil aviation security (BCAS) granted the final approvals on Oct 31, 2025, enabling its formal commissioning.The hangar is directly connected to the airport's main runway, allowing seamless access for VVIP aircraft without interfering with civilian flight operations.Apart from serving VVIP flight movements, the facility will function as a maintenance and parking base for the state's aircraft and helicopters, ending the government's reliance on rented hangar spaces within the airport. Officials said the move will significantly reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency in managing state aviation assets.With the new state hangar now operational, Chhattisgarh joins a select list of states with dedicated VVIP aviation infrastructure.