Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the new airport in Kota, Rajasthan is an example of a committed government and will act as a catalyst for economic and industrial growth in the state.
“This airport shows how a committed government can work. Rajasthan is progressing at an unprecedented pace and the new airport is set to become a catalyst for economic and industrial growth. It will create many new opportunities for the people of Hadoti district,” the Prime Minister said while laying the foundation stone for Kota Greenfield Airport via a video message.
“Today is a day of new hope for Kota, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar as the modern airport is being built at a cost of approx $1,500 Crores. He said that this modern airport will give new impetus to the development of the entire region in the coming times as it will connect Kuta to the whole world through excellent road and railway networks.
Recalling his visit in November 2023, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at fulfilling the promise he made to the people regarding the airport. “When this airport becomes operational, travel will be easy and trade will grow rapidly in the entire region including Kota. People from Hadoti district will not have to visit Jaipur or Jodhpur to take flights, which takes up a lot of their time,” he added.
Modi also described Kota as a unique center of education and energy, as it produces electricity from nuclear, coal, gas and water sources. He praised the global identity of Kota Doria sarees, stone Kota and local agricultural products like Bondi basmati rice.
Discussing the region’s potential in tourism, the Prime Minister pointed out the spiritual importance of Shri Mathuradesh Ji and Garadia Mahadev along with wildlife centers like Mukundara Hills. “Enhanced air connectivity will now bring more international tourists to the region, and its direct benefit will be available to the youth, traders and local economy here,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister also touched on the broader connectivity revolution in Kota, including the modernization of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme and the impact of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
During the event, Civil Aviation Minister KR Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker, Kota-Bundi Member of Parliament Om Birla, and Prime Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma were present on the stage.
“He is our Prime Minister who has transformed the civil aviation sector into civil aviation in the last few years. When he took power in 2014, there were only 74 airports in the country, which has now risen to 160. Is there any other Prime Minister in the world who has been able to achieve this goal?” Naidu said.
He also confirmed that the ministry has held discussions with the Rajasthan government and has identified several other places in the state that have the potential to build airports to make the travel experience smoother for people.
Meanwhile, Om Birla said, “Government of India and AAI will work together to finish this new Kota airport in the next two years. This will make this city a hub of education, industry and employment. This is our government’s twin-engine dream that is taking shape now.”
Addressing the event, the Chief Minister said, “The state government is working on a plan to improve air connectivity and provide state-of-the-art air facilities. The RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme should be implemented to expand and enhance air services between various districts and introduce new flights from major airports. We are also working on a framework to create a civic enclave in Suratgarh. We have directed the development of the district’s Lalgarh Airport and exploring new airports at Dig Kumher, Sirohi, Sikar and Bhiwadi. AAI will Soon a survey will be conducted in those areas.
He expressed his hope that this new airport would promote regional development and provide an alternative airport in emergency situations. “It will also boost tourism and business activities and benefit expatriates in Rajasthan. I also issued directions to expedite work on the new civic enclave and approach road at Uttarlai airport.”
