Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressing the media on Cabinet decisions at National Media Centre, in New Delhi, on Tuesday
| Photo Credit:
Sushil Kumar Verma
The Centre has approved the development of a greenfield airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of ₹1,507 crore.
Accordingly, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, approved the proposal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of the airport.
Under the proposal, the State government of Rajasthan has transferred 440.06 hectare of land to AAI for development of the airport, which will be suitable for operation of Airbus 321-type aircraft.
“The project includes construction of a terminal building spanning an area of 20,000 sq m capable of handling 1,000 peak hour passengers (PHP) with an annual capacity of 2 million passengers per annum (MPPA)…,” an official communique said.
Kota AirportAt present, the existing Kota Airport is suitable for the operation of small aircraft such as the DO-228.
Besides, the terminal building spans an area of only 400 sq m and is capable of handling 50 passengers during peak hours.
“The existing airport cannot be developed for commercial operations due to inadequate land availability and urbanisation around the airport,” the communique said.
Kota, situated on the banks of the Chambal River, is recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan. In addition, it is renowned as the educational coaching hub of India.
“Kota’s prominence in educational and industrial sectors makes the greenfield airport a critical infrastructure project, aimed at addressing the anticipated traffic growth in the region,” the communique said.
Published on August 19, 2025