“Kota Airport Dream Becoming Reality”: PM Modi

• Foundation stone laid for Kota–Bundi greenfield airport in Rajasthan
• PM Modi says project will accelerate development in Hadoti region
• Airport to boost tourism, trade, industry and education in Kota
• Project spread over 440 hectares with 3,200-metre runway

GG News Bureau
Kota, 7th March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the long-awaited dream of an airport in Kota is becoming a reality as the foundation stone for the Kota–Bundi greenfield airport was laid in Rajasthan’s Hadoti region.

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the project was held at Shambhupura near Kota in the presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

Addressing the event virtually, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and the entire Hadoti region and said the airport will open new avenues of development.

“We had made a promise to the people of Kota. Today the dream of an airport is becoming a reality,” Modi said.

He recalled his visit to Ajmer earlier this year, where development projects worth thousands of crores were launched and appointment letters were distributed to nearly 21,000 youth in Rajasthan.

The Prime Minister said the launch of the Kota airport project within days of the Ajmer programme reflects the rapid pace of development in the state.

The airport, being constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹1,500 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic activity in the region.

At present, residents of Kota often travel to Jaipur or Jodhpur to catch flights. Once operational, the airport will reduce travel time and boost business, tourism and industry.

Modi also highlighted Kota’s economic and cultural significance, noting that the region is known for Kota kachori, Kota Doria sarees, sandstone, coriander and Bundi’s basmati rice, which have recognition beyond the state.

He added that better air connectivity would also benefit major religious and tourist destinations such as Shri Mathuradheesh Ji temple, Khade Ganesh Ji Maharaj and Balaji of Shri Godavari Dham.

Praising Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Prime Minister said he is “as excellent a Speaker as he is an outstanding MP” and praised his commitment to parliamentary traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Om Birla said the long-standing demand for a greenfield airport in Kota is finally becoming a reality and will transform the region’s economic prospects.

“Whenever we tried to bring industries to Kota, entrepreneurs raised concerns about the absence of an airport. Once the airport is completed in 2027, Kota will script a new chapter of development,” he said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the city, already well connected by rail and road, will now gain air connectivity, further strengthening its position as a hub for education, trade and industry.

He said investment agreements worth ₹35 lakh crore have been signed under the Rising Rajasthan initiative, with projects worth ₹8 lakh crore already underway, creating employment opportunities for nearly three lakh youth.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the project will connect Kota with the entire country by air and accelerate growth in sectors such as tourism, education and industry.

The Kota–Bundi airport is being developed over about 440 hectares with a 3,200-metre runway and an estimated cost of ₹1,507 crore.

Naidu said that under the Prime Minister’s vision, a new airport is being opened in the country every 45 days, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening aviation infrastructure.