#GreenfieldAirport #KotaBundiAirport #AviationIndia #InfrastructureGrowth #RajasthanDevelopment #AirConnectivity #UDAN
New Delhi – In a significant move to enhance regional air connectivity and support infrastructure growth, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan. The project is estimated to cost ₹1,507 crore and will cater to both passenger and industrial demands of the region.
Kota: The Industrial and Educational Hub
Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, has earned recognition as the industrial capital of Rajasthan while also being internationally renowned as India’s premier educational coaching hub. With thousands of students from across India flocking to Kota for competitive exam preparation, the city has witnessed steady economic and demographic growth in the past decade. This dual identity makes Kota a prime candidate for advanced aviation infrastructure.
Project Details
The Government of Rajasthan has already transferred 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the development of this Greenfield Airport. The upcoming facility is designed to meet global aviation standards and will be capable of handling A-321 type aircraft, widely used in domestic and international sectors.
Key project components include:
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Terminal Building: A modern passenger terminal spread over 20,000 sqm, designed to handle 1,000 peak hour passengers (PHP), with an annual handling capacity of 2 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
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Runway: A 3,200m x 45m runway (11/29) suitable for Airbus A-321 operations.
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Apron: Capacity to accommodate seven A-321 type aircraft simultaneously.
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Taxiways: Two link taxiways for efficient aircraft movement.
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ATC and Safety Facilities: An Air Traffic Control (ATC) cum Technical Block and a fully equipped Fire Station.
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Allied Infrastructure: Dedicated car parking, service buildings, and other ancillary facilities.
The scale of the project reflects the government’s ambition to provide world-class air infrastructure in line with India’s growing aviation needs.
Why a New Airport Was Needed
Currently, Kota is served by a small airport owned by AAI, which is not suitable for commercial operations. The existing facility has:
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A runway (08/26) of 1,220m x 38m, capable of handling only Code ‘B’ aircraft such as DO-228.
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An apron accommodating just two small aircraft.
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A modest 400 sqm terminal building, which can handle a mere 50 passengers during peak hours.
Due to limited land availability and urbanization around the existing airport, expansion was deemed impossible. Hence, the new Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi has become a necessity.
Economic and Social Impact
The development of the new airport is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts:
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Boost to Education Tourism – Kota attracts over 200,000 students annually preparing for IIT-JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams. A modern airport will make travel more convenient for students and their families, many of whom come from distant states.
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Industrial Growth – Recognized as Rajasthan’s industrial hub, Kota houses significant industries such as fertilizers, engineering equipment, and textiles. Enhanced air connectivity will streamline logistics, attract new businesses, and facilitate trade.
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Employment Opportunities – Both direct and indirect jobs will be created during construction and operation phases. Sectors such as aviation, hospitality, transport, and retail stand to benefit.
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Tourism Development – Located along the Chambal River and close to several heritage sites, Kota and Bundi can become attractive tourist destinations. Better connectivity will help Rajasthan diversify tourism beyond Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
Strategic Importance
The Greenfield Airport aligns with the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, aimed at improving regional connectivity. With air passenger traffic in India projected to grow exponentially over the next decade, such projects are essential to decongest existing metros while strengthening tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Furthermore, the airport is strategically positioned to cater not just to Kota and Bundi, but also to neighboring districts such as Baran, Sawai Madhopur, and Chittorgarh, thereby serving a large catchment area.
Government’s Commitment
By approving this high-investment project, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing world-class infrastructure in smaller cities. The initiative is also part of the broader push under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which envisions creating robust aviation networks across India to sustain the country’s economic rise.
Conclusion
The approval of the Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi marks a turning point for Rajasthan’s infrastructure landscape. It promises to enhance air connectivity, drive industrial expansion, and strengthen Kota’s position as both an educational epicenter and an industrial powerhouse. Once operational, the airport is expected to not only meet immediate passenger and cargo needs but also act as a catalyst for long-term regional growth.
Hashtags
#GreenfieldAirport #KotaBundiAirport #AviationIndia #InfrastructureGrowth #RajasthanDevelopment #AirConnectivity #UDAN
