Jaipur, March 7 (NationPress) The long-awaited Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport initiative for the Hadoti region officially commenced on Saturday with the foundation stone being laid at Shambhupura in Kota.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the event virtually, extending his congratulations to the residents of the Hadoti area.

Reflecting on his visit to Kota in November 2023, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment that the long-standing request for an airport would soon be fulfilled.

“During my visit to Kota in November 2023, I assured everyone that the airport would not just be a dream but a reality. Today, that promise has been realized. Everything I pledged to Kota has been achieved,” stated the Prime Minister, highlighting that the airport will pave the way for enhanced growth and connectivity throughout the Hadoti region.

The foundation stone was laid by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu.

In his address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized that the Kota–Bundi Airport is not just a construction endeavor but a reflection of the economic ambitions of the Hadoti region.

He pointed out that stakeholders from the industry, trade, and tourism sectors had long stressed that the region's potential could not be fully harnessed without improved air connectivity.

Birla remarked that Kota is recognized both nationally and internationally for its industry, fertile agricultural landscape, and notably, as a prominent educational center attracting millions of students annually.

He mentioned that the lack of air connectivity made it challenging and time-consuming to reach the city, but the airport will enhance access to major Indian cities and international routes.

Birla also disclosed that nearly 600 hectares of land adjacent to the airport has been allocated to the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) for industrial growth, with new industries anticipated in the coming years.

With the expansion of the Indian Institute of Information Technology Kota, he noted that the region is poised to develop as a new IT center.

He added that despite being located by perennial rivers like the Chambal and Parwan, numerous villages in the area had faced water shortages. Presently, projects worth thousands of crores are underway to ensure drinking water accessibility to every household and irrigation facilities for farmers.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma mentioned that the Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport was prioritized after the new state government took charge. He confirmed that administrative, financial, and land-related obstacles were swiftly resolved to advance the project.

“Within three months of forming our government, we eliminated all barriers to the airport project,” stated Sharma, assuring that no further issues would impede the start of flights from Kota.

The Chief Minister underscored that robust infrastructure is essential for stimulating regional economic development, reaffirming the government’s dedication to making Rajasthan one of the fastest-growing states in India.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu remarked that the project should have commenced much earlier but encountered delays previously.

He noted that once the current state government assumed office, all outstanding clearances were attained within three months. Naidu assured that the central government is committed to completing the airport within two years.

“If it needs to be built, it will be constructed in two years,” he asserted, adding that several airlines have already shown interest in launching flights from Kota once the airport is operational.

He further stated that the existing Kota airstrip will be maintained, and a flying training center will also be established there.

Emphasizing the rapid growth of aviation infrastructure under the Modi administration, Naidu noted that a new airport in India is inaugurated approximately every 40 days.

“An airport creates countless new paths for development. A single flight can generate employment for over a hundred individuals,” he stated, adding that the new airport will draw industries and job opportunities to the region.

Rajasthan Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar mentioned that the Kota airport and regional drinking water initiatives had been long-standing requests that remained unresolved for years. He highlighted that under the current government’s stringent anti-corruption stance, tenders for the projects were finalized at competitive rates.

MLA Sandeep Sharma also endorsed the project and credited Speaker Om Birla’s relentless efforts in addressing land-related concerns and facilitating the airport project.

He indicated that financial arrangements were also expedited following the establishment of the new government.

With the launch of the airport initiative, leaders expressed optimism that enhanced air connectivity, combined with existing road and rail infrastructure, will foster investment, tourism, and employment prospects for the youth of the Hadoti region.