New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given in-principle approval for setting up Greenfield airports in Kota (Rajasthan) and Puri (Odisha), in a move aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and infrastructure development.
On 5 May, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu approved the proposals for new airports in both cities. The decision is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve last-mile air access in underserved regions.
The approval for the Kota airport comes after continued demand from the region, particularly by Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota-Bundi MP Om Birla. Kota, known for its educational institutions and industrial activities, has seen a long-standing demand for direct air connectivity. The proposed airport is expected to address this gap by serving the Hadoti region and surrounding districts.
According to ministry sources, the airport project is aligned with the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to improve air travel access in tier two and tier three cities. Once operational, the airport will connect Kota with major Indian cities and facilitate travel for students, industrial workers, and business travellers.
Puri, a prominent pilgrimage destination and home to the Jagannath Temple, is another focus of the civil aviation ministry’s expansion plan. The coastal town witnesses high footfall during religious festivals and annual Rath Yatra events. Currently, visitors rely on the nearest airport in Bhubaneswar, around 60 km away.
Officials say the new airport in Puri will address this gap and support the rising tourism demand. The project also holds strategic importance for Odisha’s tourism and economic development, as it may ease congestion at Bhubaneswar airport while improving travel access for domestic and international tourists.
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