Air Connectivity Drive Set To Boost Tourism And Trade In Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government is planning a major expansion of aviation infrastructure, including upgrading existing airstrips and developing new airports, in an effort to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the state.
The initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting held at the state hangar in Jaipur, attended by key political leaders and aviation officials. Participants included Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gautam Kumar Dak. Officials reviewed plans to expand air services to more districts, modernise aviation infrastructure and explore the development of new greenfield airports in underserved regions of Rajasthan. The strategy also involves upgrading existing airstrips to accommodate commercial and chartered flights.
Rajasthan’s large geographical area and dispersed population make air connectivity particularly important for tourism, trade and regional development. Leaders at the meeting emphasised that improved aviation infrastructure would allow faster access to major cultural, religious and industrial destinations across the state. One of the key projects under development is the proposed Kota Greenfield Airport, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the Hadoti region. The airport, planned near Shambhupura village about 15 kilometres from Kota, will be built by the Airports Authority of India and is estimated to cost around ₹1,500 crore.
Once operational, the airport will serve several districts including Kota, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar. The facility is expected to feature a runway of about 3,200 metres and a modern terminal capable of handling hundreds of passengers during peak hours. Beyond new airports, authorities are also considering the upgrade of several existing airstrips to support regional air services under India’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel accessible and improve connectivity to smaller cities.
The expansion of aviation infrastructure is expected to support Rajasthan’s tourism sector, which is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Improved connectivity could attract more domestic and international tourists to destinations such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and wildlife reserves across the state. Officials also believe better air links could encourage investment, facilitate faster business travel and improve logistics for industries and exporters operating in different regions of Rajasthan.
With tourism, trade and regional development closely tied to transport infrastructure, the proposed airport projects and airstrip upgrades are expected to play a key role in strengthening the state’s economic growth and improving connectivity across its diverse regions.
