The long-awaited new Kota Airport was formally inaugurated with a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Shambhupura by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. On this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings to the people of Kota–Bundi and the entire Hadoti region through a virtual address.
The Prime Minister said that the airport, being constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,500 crore, will significantly accelerate the development of the entire region in the coming years. He recalled that when he visited Kota in November 2023, he had promised the people that the Kota airport would not remain merely a dream but would be turned into reality. Today, that moment has arrived as the construction work for the airport begins.
He further said that until now, people from Kota had to travel to Jaipur or Jodhpur to catch flights. Once the airport becomes operational, travel time will be reduced and business activities will also receive a boost.
The Prime Minister also noted that Kota is an important centre of energy production, where electricity is generated from almost all sources of energy. The land of Hadoti is equally known for its rich cultural and economic heritage. Kota’s famous kachori, Kota Doria sarees, the shine of its sandstone, the region’s coriander, and Bundi’s basmati rice are recognised even internationally.
He added that Kota is also a major centre of faith. For centuries, devotees from across the country and the world have been visiting sacred places such as the holy seat of Shri Mathuradheesh Ji, Shri Khade Ganesh Ji Maharaj, and Balaji of Shri Godavari Dham. With improved air connectivity, these religious and tourist destinations will also benefit greatly. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Kota Airport will open new avenues in tourism, trade, industry and education in the Hadoti region and take the area to new heights of development.
