Jaipur, March 7 (NationPress) During the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport, a video address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was showcased.

In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted this day as a significant milestone of hope and accomplishment for the Hadoti region.

He mentioned his recent visit to Rajasthan, where he laid the groundwork for various development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees aimed at propelling the state's growth.

On this occasion, over 21,000 young individuals from Rajasthan received appointment letters from Prime Minister Modi.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the launching of two substantial development initiatives within a single week illustrates the rapid advancement occurring in the state.

He characterized the event as a new dawn filled with promise and a noteworthy achievement for the Hadoti area, which encompasses Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar.

Modi emphasized Kota's pivotal role, stating that it serves as both an educational hub and a center of energy.

He also acknowledged the region’s rich heritage, mentioning well-known products such as Kota Kachori, Kota Doria, Kota Stone, sandstone, and several key religious sites in and around Kota.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla remarked that the people of the area had long sought the establishment of a greenfield airport.

He noted that various efforts towards achieving this goal had been made over the years by different state administrations.

Speaker Birla asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled the commitment made in Kota in 2023.

He recalled that Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had promised during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections that the long-cherished dream of an airport in Kota would be realized, a promise that has now come to fruition.

Birla stressed that Kota already boasts robust road and rail connectivity, and the introduction of air travel will further enhance the region's development.

He mentioned that the area is blessed by the Chambal river, possesses abundant water resources, and is among the largest electricity producers in the country.

The Lok Sabha Speaker also indicated that the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited aims to develop nearly 600 hectares of land adjacent to the proposed airport, which is anticipated to create new industrial opportunities in the region.

Looking ahead, Speaker Birla expressed optimism that Kota will evolve into a significant IT hub.

"In the next two years, considerable growth is expected in sectors such as industry, agricultural processing, and tourism, setting the stage for rapid development and positioning the Hadoti region as one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation."

The Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport is projected to be built at a cost of Rs 1,507 crore (approximately $180 million).

It will accommodate 1,000 passengers simultaneously, featuring a terminal building spanning 20,000 square meters, a runway measuring 3,200 meters in length and 45 meters in width, and seven apron bays for parking Airbus A321 aircraft.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu mentioned that the airport is expected to be operational within the next two years.

He added that the terminal building will reflect the cultural heritage of the Hadoti region, ensuring that visitors to Kota can experience the area's identity and hospitality from their arrival.

Chief Minister Sharma also reaffirmed the BJP-led Rajasthan government's commitment to providing irrigation for every farm and safe drinking water for every household in the state.