**Executive Summary**
This document is an English rendering of the Prime Minister's address during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Kota airport, held via video conferencing on March 07, 2026. The address highlights the inauguration of the airport project, costing approximately ₹1,500 crore, and its expected acceleration of regional development. The ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Kota and Hadoti region, promising improved connectivity and economic growth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Airport Project Commencement:**
* Foundation stone laid for the construction of a modern airport in Kota.
* The project is estimated to cost around ₹1,500 crore.
* This initiative is expected to accelerate the development of the Kota and Hadoti region in the coming years.
* The airport aims to fulfill a previous promise made to the people of Kota.
* **Regional Development and Connectivity:**
* The new airport will significantly improve travel convenience, as residents previously had to travel to Jaipur or Jodhpur for flights.
* Enhanced air connectivity is anticipated to boost trade and economic growth in Kota and surrounding areas.
* The project is part of broader development efforts in Rajasthan, including infrastructure improvements and employment generation.
* Existing connectivity initiatives like the Amrit Bharat Station scheme and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway are mentioned as contributing to the region's advancement.
* The document notes the transformation of other regions with new airports, leading to increased economic activity and enterprise.
* **Economic and Cultural Significance of Kota and Hadoti:**
* Kota is recognized as a hub for education and energy production, with diverse electricity sources.
* The Hadoti region is celebrated for its heritage, including local products like Kota Kachori, Kota Doria sarees, and Kota stone.
* The region is known for its agricultural produce, such as coriander and Bundi's basmati rice, which reach international markets.
* The area is also a center for enterprise, faith, and tourism, with numerous pilgrimage sites and wildlife sanctuaries.
* The airport is expected to further enhance tourism and economic opportunities for the local population.
* **Appreciation for Shri Om Birla Ji:**
* The Member of Parliament for Kota, Shri Om Birla Ji, is commended for his continuous efforts in promoting the region's development, including the airport project, IIIT campus, and road expansions.
* His role as Speaker of the Lok Sabha is also highlighted, emphasizing his dedication to parliamentary traditions and his ability to manage the House with dignity.
**Impact Analysis**
**People of Kota and Hadoti Region**
* **Impact:** Will experience improved travel convenience, reduced travel time to access flights, and enhanced opportunities for trade and economic growth. The region is expected to see increased tourism and new enterprises.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document for the general public.
**Youth of Kota and Hadoti Region**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from increased employment opportunities stemming from improved infrastructure, trade, and tourism.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document for the youth.
**Traders of Kota and Hadoti Region**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from increased trade opportunities due to improved connectivity, making it easier to transport goods and access markets.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document for traders.
**Local Economy of Kota and Hadoti Region**
* **Impact:** Expected to see significant growth and development due to increased investment, tourism, and economic activity facilitated by the new airport.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document for the local economy.
**Shri Om Birla Ji (Member of Parliament, Kota)**
* **Impact:** His efforts in advocating for and facilitating the airport project are recognized and appreciated.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document for Shri Om Birla Ji, as his actions are being acknowledged.
Key Entities Referenced
Kota Airport: The primary infrastructure project discussed, central to the policy's impact on regional development.
Amrit Bharat Station scheme: A referenced national program for upgrading railway stations, demonstrating a broader connectivity initiative.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: A major infrastructure project impacting the region's connectivity and development.
Shri Om Birla Ji: The Member of Parliament for Kota and Speaker of the Lok Sabha, recognized for his efforts in driving local development.
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s address during
foundation stone laying ceremony of Kota airport
via video conferencing
Posted On: 07 MAR 2026 3:58PM by PIB Delhi
My dear companions from Kota and the entire Hadoti region, Namaskar once again.
Just last week, I had the opportunity to visit Rajasthan. From the sacred land of Ajmer, we inaugurated and
laid the foundation stones for development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees. In that same
program, appointment letters were handed over to more than 21,000 young people of Rajasthan. And now,
only a few days after the Ajmer visit, today I have the privilege of launching this important airport project
connected to Kota. Within a single week, these two major development programs in Rajasthan send a
powerful message. They show how rapidly Rajasthan is progressing today. Whether it is infrastructure,
employment opportunities for youth, schemes for farmers and women, or initiatives in every sector-work
is happening at great speed across Rajasthan.
Friends,
Today is a day of new hope and achievement for Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, and the entire Hadoti
region. This modern airport, being built at a cost of around 1,500 crore rupees, will accelerate the
development of the entire region in the coming years. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people
of Kota and Hadoti on the occasion of the foundation stone laying of this important airport project.
Friends,
I remember, when I came to Kota in November 2023, I made a promise to the people of Kota. I had said
that the airport would not remain just a dream, but it would be turned into reality. Today, I am happy that
the moment has arrived when the construction of Kota Airport is beginning. Until now, people of Kota had
to travel to Jaipur or Jodhpur to catch flights. This consumed a lot of time and caused inconvenience. That
situation is now going to change. Once this airport becomes operational, travel will become easier and
trade will grow rapidly in Kota and the surrounding areas.
Friends,
Kota is not only a hub of education but also a major center of energy. It is a unique region where
electricity is produced from almost all sources-nuclear, coal-based, gas, and water. The land of Hadoti is
equally famous for its heritage. The taste of Kota Kachori, the elegance of Kota Doria sarees, and the
shine of Kota stone and sandstone have earned recognition worldwide. The coriander from here, Bundi’s
basmati rice-their aroma reaches international markets. This region is known for its hard work, production,
and immense potential. Now, this new airport in Kota will multiply these possibilities many times over.
Friends,The land of Kota and Hadoti is also a great center of enterprise and faith. For centuries, devotees from
across the country and the world have been coming here to visit the sacred Mathuradheesh Ji Peeth, the
Keshav Rai Patan pilgrimage, Khade Ganesh Ji Maharaj, and Godavari Balaji Dham. The view of
Chambal from Garadia Mahadev mesmerizes everyone. Wildlife sanctuaries like Mukundra Hills and
Ramgarh Vishdhari make this region a major hub of wildlife tourism. With increased air connectivity,
tourists from across the country and the world will come here, directly benefiting the youth, traders, and
the local economy.
Friends,
Kota is already rapidly advancing in connectivity. Under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, both major
railway stations of Kota are being equipped with modern facilities. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which
passes through Kota and Bundi, is opening new doors of development for the entire region. Now, big
cities like Delhi, Vadodara, and Mumbai are only a few hours away. With better road and rail connectivity,
new industries are being established here. Especially for agro-based industries, this region will become a
major hub. After rail and road, this new chapter of air connectivity will further accelerate Kota’s
development. The Kota Airport will bring new opportunities of progress for the entire Hadoti region and
nearby districts.
Friends,
I also want to appreciate the continuous efforts of Kota’s Member of Parliament, Shri Om Birla Ji, for this
important project. His constant endeavor has been to improve the lives of the people of Kota and provide
them with new opportunities. Whether it is the airport, the new campus of IIIT, or the expansion of roads,
he has been working tirelessly for Kota’s development. It is because of his efforts that Kota and the entire
region are witnessing new momentum in growth.
Friends,
Om Birla Ji is not only an excellent Member of Parliament but also a remarkable Speaker of the Lok
Sabha. He is fully dedicated to the Constitution and deeply committed to parliamentary traditions. Today,
he stands above party and opposition, embodying neutrality. When I see him in the House, I often feel that
perhaps coming from the city of education has influenced his role as Speaker-he leads like a good head of
the family, taking everyone along. He respects the feelings and requests of all Members of Parliament. He
is a Speaker who naturally honors MPs the most. Even when some arrogant and disruptive individuals
occasionally create disturbances, he manages everything with dignity, never insulting anyone, patiently
enduring harsh words, and always smiling with warmth. Perhaps that is one reason why he is universally
admired in the House.
Friends,
When connectivity increases, the speed of development also rises. In the past 11 years, new airports built
across different parts of the country have given fresh momentum to growth. Before 2014, there were
around 70 airports in the country. Today, that number has risen to more than 160. These new airports have
made air travel easier, boosted tourism, created employment opportunities for youth, and accelerated
regional development. Even around Delhi, several new airports have come up-Hisar, Hindon, Jewar. When
new airports and terminals are built, new enterprises and companies reach smaller cities too. I am
confident that Kota’s new airport will similarly give new momentum to the development of this region in
the coming times.
Friends,When the state government and the central government work together, when intentions are clear and
determination is strong, the pace of development multiplies. That is exactly what is happening in
Rajasthan today. This strong foundation of a developed Rajasthan is giving greater strength to the resolve
of a developed India. I am fully confident that together we will succeed in building a Rajasthan that is
prosperous, strong, and full of opportunities. With this belief, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all
of you on this foundation stone laying ceremony. Thank you very much. Vande Mataram.
****
MJPS/VJ/ST
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