Is the Cabinet Approving a Rs 1,507 Crore New Airport in Rajasthan's Kota?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investment: Rs 1,507 crore for new airport.
- Land Allocation: 440.06 hectares transferred to AAI.
- Capacity: Terminal to handle 2 million passengers annually.
- Aircraft Accommodation: Designed for A-321 type aircraft.
- Current Airport Limitations: Existing facility inadequate for commercial use.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the Airports Authority of India's (AAI) proposal for the establishment of a greenfield airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,507 crore.
The Rajasthan government has allocated 440.06 hectares of land to the AAI for this significant project, which will facilitate operations of A-321 type aircraft.
This initiative encompasses the construction of a terminal covering an area of 20,000 sqm, designed to accommodate 1,000 peak hour passengers (PHP) and an annual capacity of 2 million passengers. The project will also feature a runway measuring 3,200m x 45m, an apron with 7 parking bays for A-321 aircraft, two linking taxiways, an ATC cum technical block, a fire station, a car park, and other associated facilities, as per an official announcement following the CCEA meeting.
Situated along the banks of the Chambal River, Kota is recognized as the industrial heart of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching center for aspiring IIT and medical college students.
Kota's significance in education and industry renders the development of this greenfield airport a pivotal infrastructure project, aimed at meeting the projected traffic increase in the region, as stated.
The current Kota Airport, managed by the AAI, features a runway (08/26) of dimensions 1,220m x 38m, suitable for Code 'B' aircraft (like DO-228), along with an apron for two such planes. The terminal spans 400 sqm, accommodating 50 passengers at peak times. Due to limited land and urban encroachment, the existing airport is not viable for commercial operations.
Therefore, the new airport initiative is being launched, as confirmed in the statement.