Greenfield Airport Kota Bundi project approved with ₹1,507 crore investment. Learn about passenger capacity, UDAN scheme link, and Rajasthan’s regional connectivity boost.
Greenfield Airport at Kota–Bundi Approved – A Boost to Connectivity and Growth
Cabinet Nod for Greenfield Air Connectivity
The Indian government, via the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a new Greenfield Airport at Kota–Bundi, Rajasthan. Spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the project has been sanctioned with an estimated investment of ₹1,507 crore
Project Capacity & Infrastructure
This airport aims to accommodate 2 million passengers annually, presenting a significant leap in regional air connectivity Notable infrastructure specifications include a runway measuring approximately 1,220 m by 38 m, suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft, and a modern terminal equipped with essential passenger amenities
Local and Regional Significance
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and local leaders have expressed optimism, stating the project will spur economic opportunities—particularly in tourism, trade, coaching industries, and employment across the Hadauti region
Historical Development Phases
The project has evolved through several phases:
- In-principle approval by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on May 5, 2025
- Environmental approvals and land allocation were completed earlier, including allocation of around 440 hectares of land in November 2021
- A tripartite MoU between AAI, Rajasthan Urban Development, and Civil Aviation departments was signed in July 2024
Strategic Implications for Rajasthan
Kota, a prominent educational and industrial hub, will benefit immensely. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to strengthen its coaching education ecosystem, augment tourism in Bundi, and bolster the regional socio-economic framework
Why This News Is Important
Enhancing Strategic Connectivity
For government exam aspirants—particularly in sectors like civil services, railways, banking, and defence—this development is key, reflecting the central government’s sustained efforts to augment regional infrastructure and integrate underserved regions into national frameworks.
Industrial & Educational Advancement
Kota’s reputation as a coaching and educational center will receive a fresh boost. The airport is poised to attract students from farther afield and facilitate industrial movement, enhancing access to national and global markets.
Policy and Exam Relevance
This project exemplifies central policies such as the UDAN-RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme), aiming to democratize air travel and activate new regional growth zones—a recurring theme in exam syllabi on governance and public policy
Economic and Employment Impact
Construction and subsequent operations will generate job opportunities; the resultant tourism and commercial activities are expected to fuel local economies—a vital topic for sectors like defence (logistics) and civil services (district-level planning).
Historical Context: Background & Development Journey
Legacy Constraints of Kota Airport
Kota Airport, located within the city, was restricted due to its short runway (~1,200 m), minimal passenger capacity, dense surroundings, and lack of feasibility for expansion. It ceased scheduled operations in 1997 due to low demand and unsustainable economics
Strategic Shift Toward Greenfield Development
Recognizing limitations, the state government identified a more suitable site for a greenfield facility. In November 2021, the site was approved and land was allocated—land free of cost—to AAI for development
Regulatory and Institutional Milestones
- December 2022: The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee granted clearance, and ₹115 crore was sanctioned for preparatory work
- July 2024: A tripartite MoU was formalized with AAI and state departments
- May 5, 2025: Civil Aviation Ministry issued an in-principle approval for the airport
- August 19–20, 2025: The Cabinet committee officially approved project funding (~₹1,507 crore), and stakeholders celebrated its potential impacts
Integration with UDAN Scheme
The airport’s development is aligned with the UDAN initiative, which seeks to connect remote regions via affordable air travel, augmenting both economic inclusivity and access to essential services
Key Takeaways from Greenfield Airport at Kota–Bundi
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Indian Cabinet approval for Greenfield Airport at Kota–Bundi with ₹1,507 crore allocation. |
| 2. | Annual capacity expected to be 2 million passengers, boosting regional air travel. |
| 3. | Existing Kota Airport limited by geography and infrastructure; the new site overcomes these constraints. |
| 4. | Project aligns with UDAN-RCS, reflecting national strategy for regional air connectivity. |
| 5. | Anticipated benefits include enhanced tourism, improved coaching industry outreach, industrial growth, and employment generation. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the estimated cost of the Greenfield Airport at Kota–Bundi project?
The project has been approved at an estimated cost of ₹1,507 crore.
Q2. Who will develop and manage the new airport in Rajasthan?
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will be responsible for development and management.
Q3. What is the expected passenger capacity of the new airport?
The airport will be capable of handling around 2 million passengers annually.
Q4. Which government scheme is this project aligned with?
It is aligned with the UDAN-RCS (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik – Regional Connectivity Scheme) to boost regional air travel.
Q5. Why was a Greenfield Airport proposed instead of expanding the old Kota Airport?
The existing Kota Airport faced geographical and infrastructural constraints, including a short runway and limited expansion capacity.
Q6. Which region in Rajasthan will benefit the most from this airport project?
The Hadauti region, including Kota and Bundi, will gain in terms of tourism, trade, and educational opportunities.
Q7. When was the in-principle approval for this project granted?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation granted in-principle approval on May 5, 2025.
Q8. How much land was allocated for the project, and when?
Around 440 hectares of land were allocated in November 2021.
Q9. What are the employment prospects expected from the project?
The project will generate jobs during both the construction phase and operational phase, apart from indirect jobs through tourism and industries.
Q10. Which major leader has strongly supported the project at the local level?
Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha, has been a strong advocate for the project.
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