New Delhi – In a major boost to regional connectivity and infrastructure, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has granted in-principle approval for the development of greenfield airports in Kota, Rajasthan, and Puri, Odisha. The announcement was made on Monday by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to expanding aviation infrastructure across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The long-awaited airport in Kota, a prominent educational and industrial hub, will also serve the broader Hadoti region. This approval comes after sustained efforts by Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota-Bundi MP Om Birla, who played a pivotal role in accelerating the project. The new airport is expected to facilitate easier travel for thousands of students, businesses, and residents, connecting them to key domestic and potentially international destinations. The development is anticipated to spur economic growth and improve infrastructure in the region.
Similarly, Puri, renowned for the world-famous Jagannath Temple and its annual Rath Yatra attracting millions of devotees, will soon get its own airport. The new facility aims to significantly boost religious tourism and enhance direct air connectivity between Puri and major metropolitan cities in India. This move aligns with the government’s broader vision of strengthening last-mile air connectivity and making air travel more accessible to all.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation highlighted that these projects are strategic investments designed to unlock the economic potential of these regions. With India being one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally, and already home to over 150 operational airports, the addition of these greenfield airports is expected to further deepen the country’s aviation footprint.
This development marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure roadmap, promising to transform Kota and Puri into better-connected hubs for education, industry, and pilgrimage, while fostering inclusive regional development.
