Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport Set to Boost Development in Hadoti Region

Udaipur: Saturday marked a historic day for Rajasthan’s Hadoti region as the foundation stone for the Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport was laid in Shambhupura, Kota, situated along the Chambal River—known as a hub of education and energy. The event saw the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video message, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.

Estimated at a cost of approximately ₹1,500 crore, the airport is more than a mere infrastructure project; it represents a transformative initiative for the economic, industrial, and tourism development of the Hadoti region. Spread over 1,100 acres, the airport will feature a modern 20,000-square-meter terminal that blends state-of-the-art facilities with a showcase of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.

For years, residents of Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar have demanded air connectivity. While initial steps were taken during Vasundhara Raje’s tenure, limitations such as a short runway prevented its operationalization. Until now, local travelers had to rely on Jaipur or Jodhpur airports, causing delays and increased expenses. The new greenfield airport is expected to address these long-pending regional demands.

Economic and Tourism Impacts
In his message, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Kota is not only an educational hub but also a major energy production center, producing nuclear, coal, gas, and hydroelectric power. Kota is known nationally and internationally for Kota Doria, Kota Stone, Sandstone, and Kota Kachori, while Bundi’s Basmati rice and Hadoti’s coriander have established global recognition. The airport is expected to enhance trade, exports, and tourism, enabling better access to religious and natural tourist attractions such as Keshavrai Patan, Khade Ganesh Mandir, Godavari Dham, Garadiya Mahadev, Mukundra Hills, Kota Riverfront, and Seven Wonders.

Educational and Industrial Connectivity
Kota, recognized as the “Coaching City of India”, attracts millions of students annually for competitive exam preparation. The airport will ease travel for students and their families. It is also expected to boost IT and service sector investments, potentially positioning Kota as a technical and industrial hub alongside its educational prominence. Improved air connectivity, complementing existing Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and strong rail networks, will make Hadoti a regional and national gateway.

Acknowledgment of Leadership
Prime Minister Modi praised MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his persistent efforts in making the airport a reality. Om Birla addressed constituents, emphasizing that the greenfield airport had been a long-standing demand of the people, now realized under a “double-engine” government. He also announced a 600-hectare industrial area around the airport, which could usher in a new era of investment and industrial growth in Kota.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma noted that, with road, rail, and now air connectivity, Kota will become a hub of both education and industry. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu termed the project a prime example of central-state cooperation under the double-engine government.

Future Prospects
The success of such a large infrastructure project depends on timely construction and effective operation. Once the airport is operational with regular flights to major cities, its impact will extend beyond Kota, accelerating the socio-economic development of the entire Hadoti region.

In conclusion, the Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport is a historic milestone for Hadoti. Beyond improving connectivity, it promises to unlock new opportunities in industry, tourism, education, and trade, potentially making Hadoti one of Rajasthan’s fastest-growing regions in the coming years.