Delhi, March 7:Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kota Airport via video message today, marking a significant milestone for the Hadoti region.

 

“Rajasthan is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with the new airport set to become a catalyst for economic and industrial growth”, Modi emphasized.

 

 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted his recent visit to Ajmer where development projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and appointment letters were handed over to over 21,000 youth. He stated that these back-to-back programs within a week send a powerful message about the state’s development trajectory, noting that "they tell us at what speed Rajasthan is moving forward today."

 

 

The Prime Minister highlighted that today is a day of new hope for Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar as the modern airport, built at a cost of approximately 1,500 crore rupees, begins to take shape. While extending his best wishes to the people of the region, Shri Modi remarked, "This modern airport is going to give new momentum to the development of the entire region in the coming times."

 

 

Recalling his visit in November 2023, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the promise made to the people regarding the airport is now being fulfilled. Transitioning from the previous inconvenience of traveling to Jaipur or Jodhpur for flights, Shri Modi asserted, "When this airport starts, travel will be easy and trade will grow rapidly in the entire area including Kota."

 

The Prime Minister described Kota as a unique center of both education and energy, producing electricity from nuclear, coal, gas, and water sources. Modi praised the global identity of Kota Doria sarees, Kota stone, and local agricultural produce like Bundi’s Basmati rice, asserting that "this new airport in Kota will work to multiply these possibilities many times over."

 

 

Discussing the region's potential for tourism, the Prime Minister mentioned the spiritual significance of Mathuradhish Ji and Garadia Mahadev alongside wildlife hubs like Mukundara Hills. “The enhanced air connectivity would bring global tourists to the region, and its direct benefit will be available to the youth, traders, and local economy here", Modi emphasised.

 

The Prime Minister also touched upon the broader connectivity revolution in Kota, including the modernization of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme and the impact of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Highlighting the shift toward agro-based industries, Modi stated, "this new chapter of air connectivity after rail and road will give more speed to the development of Kota."

 

 

Acknowledging the efforts of local leadership, the Prime Minister lauded Kota MP and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his dedication to the region's progress. Commenting on Birla’s role in the Parliament, the Prime Minister remarked that "he is a teacher who handles the entire class well, even when facing unruly students from certain big families."

 

Reflecting on the national aviation landscape, the Prime Minister noted that the number of airports has increased from 70 in 2014 to over 160 today. Pointing to new terminals and airports near Delhi as examples of decentralized growth, Modi expressed, "I am confident that this new airport of Kota will also give new momentum to the development of this area in the same way."

 

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the "Double Engine" government and clear intentions in achieving rapid progress. He envisioned a prosperous and empowered state, concluding that "this strong foundation of Developed Rajasthan is giving more strength to the resolution of Developed India.”