Cabinet Approves ₹1,507 Cr Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan Breakthrough

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Airports Authority of India’s proposal to develop a Greenfield in Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of ₹1,507 crore. The, located on the Chambal River, is expected to boost connectivity, attract investments, and support industrial and educational activities in the region. The government transferred 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project, which includes a Terminal Building, Runway 11/29, Apron, two Link Taxiways, ATC cum Technical Block, Fire Station, car park, and allied works The Government of India has recently approved the construction of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi

Rajasthan with an investment of ₹1,507 crore. This decision is seen as a breakthrough moment for the region, as it is set to transform connectivity, tourism, and business opportunities across southern Rajasthan. Kota, known as an education hub and Bundi, famous for its heritage and art, will now receive direct air connectivity, reducing dependency on distant airports like Jaipur and Udaipur (Infrastructure) The project is part of India’s continued push to expand aviation infrastructure under the which focuses on improving regional air connectivity. The upcoming Greenfield Airport is expected to act as a catalyst for growth in Kota-Bundi and surrounding districts. Currently, students.

Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth

Professionals, and tourists face travel challenges due to limited direct air access. With the airport, travel time to major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru will reduce drastically, enhancing mobility and convenience. This will also support industries in Kota such as textiles, stone, and agriculture by offering better logistics solutions. The government’s focus on airport development reflects its vision of connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities, similar to recent expansions in that aim at integrating villages into the economic mainstream.

Bundi is often called the “City of Stepwells” and is home to ornate palaces, forts, and traditional paintings. Despite its cultural wealth, it remains underexplored by international tourists because of limited accessibility. The Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi will help unlock Bundy’s tourism potential, attracting more travellers from across India and abroad. Rajasthan already thrives as a leading tourist state, with Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur drawing global attention. The addition of a modern airport in Kota-Bundi will balance tourist inflow towards southern Rajasthan, ensuring that lesser-known heritage cities also benefit from global tourism trends. The project aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s ongoing efforts to promote destinations through improved infrastructure.

Support for Kota’s Education Hub

Kota has earned recognition as India’s coaching capital, hosting thousands of students preparing for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET. Parents and students often travel long distances by train or road, which can be exhausting. With the new, students and their families will gain easier access to the city, making Kota more attractive for aspirants nationwide. This will further strengthen the coaching industry, which contributes significantly to the city’s economy. The integration of air connectivity will also encourage educational seminars, corporate training programs, and national-level academic events in Kota.

The approval of the ₹1,507 crore Greenfield also holds strategic importance for Rajasthan. The state has been expanding its aviation footprint with airports at Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Krishnagar. Adding Kota-Bundi to this network will complete the connectivity loop, ensuring that all key zones of Rajasthan are well-linked by air. This move also reflects the government’s broader infrastructure agenda, which includes road, rail, and airport expansions. For instance, parallel developments like and enhanced freight corridors will work in tandem with the airport to create a seamless transport ecosystem.

Construction of the new is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region. From engineering and construction work to hospitality and retail, multiple sectors will benefit. Local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and handicraft shops are likely to see increased demand once the becomes operational. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which will oversee the project, is also expected to engage local contractors and workers, ensuring that employment opportunities stay rooted in the region. Beyond construction, the operational phase will provide long-term jobs in aviation services, ground handling, and airport management.

While the has approved the financial outlay, the project will now move into detailed planning and execution stages. Environmental clearances, land acquisition, and sustainable design considerations will play a major role in shaping the final structure. Given the global push for (Rural Road Projects) sustainable aviation, it is expected that the Kota-Bundi airport will incorporate eco-friendly technologies such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and green building standards. This aligns with India’s broader commitment to development under its climate goals.

The ₹1,507 crore Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi represents a milestone in Rajasthan’s infrastructure journey. It will not only connect a historically rich region with the rest of India but also uplift the local economy through tourism, education, trade, and employment. By integrating with ongoing road, rail, and air projects, the airport will ensure that Kota and Bundi find their rightful place on the national development map. This approval is more than just an aviation project it is a gateway to new possibilities for southern Rajasthan.