New Delhi, 07 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Kota Airport via video message on Saturday, hailing the ₹1,500 crore modern facility as a catalyst that will accelerate development across the Hadoti region—encompassing Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar—while boosting trade, tourism, and jobs.

This is a day of new hope and achievement for the entire Hadoti region,PM Modi said. Once operational, travel will become seamless, propelling business growth; residents previously reliant on Jaipur or Jodhpur airports will gain major convenience.

He positioned Kota as a unique nexus of education and energy, generating power from nuclear, coal, gas, and hydro sources.PM Modi spotlighted local gems like Kota Doria sarees—lightweight cotton-silk weaves with signature 'khat' checks—Kota stone, and Bundi Basmati rice, predicting the airport will amplify their global reach. Tourism potential at sites such as Shri Mathuradheesh Temple, Garadia Mahadev, and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve will draw international visitors, directly benefiting youth, traders, and the economy.

Connectivity upgrades abound: Kota's major railway stations are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with metro-like platforms and airport-style lounges, while the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway—now operational through Kota and Bundi—unlocks new growth corridors.

Nationally, airports have surged from 74 in 2014 to over 160, decentralizing progress.Praising Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota MP Om Birla's efforts, PM Modi affirmed Rajasthan's double-engine momentum toward a Viksit (developed) state and nation .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar