Following the launch of the air-taxi service in Madhya Pradesh two months back to promote tourism, the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) now plans to connect Kanha-kisli and Bandhavgarh national parks by this service.

Air taxi, a small aircraft, carrying about 15 passengers, would also be introduced on a new circuit of Gwalior, Satna and Rewa to boost tourism, Chairman of MPSTDC Dr Mohan Yadav said today. In the first phase launched about two months back, various cities in the state, including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur, were connected by air taxis.

"This service is gaining popularity on the existing routes of Indore, Jabalpur and Bhopal," Yadav said. Besides the air taxi service, the MPSTDC is also planning to introduce a chopper service for tourists visiting various religious sites in Madhya Pradesh, he said.

"We are working upon having an MOU with the Pawan Hans for helicopter service for tourists, especially for those visiting the religious places here," he said. With the increase in the tourist influx by 20 per cent, the MPSTDC plans to garner a revenue of Rs six crore by the end of this financial year, Yadav added.