Efforts to enhance civil aviation infrastructure in Rajasthan received a significant boost following a high-level meeting at the State Hangar in Jaipur. The meeting, attended by 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 (Independent Charge) Gautam Kumar Dak, focused on various aspects of improving air services in the state. Discussions included expanding air services, upgrading existing airstrips, developing airport infrastructure, enhancing flight connectivity, and considering the establishment of new greenfield airports.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted the necessity for improved air connectivity in Rajasthan, especially to religious, tourism, educational, and commercial destinations due to the state’s vast geographical expanse. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu proposed the creation of an independent directorate to better manage and regulate air services in Rajasthan, aiming to expedite the growth of the civil aviation sector. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized the state government’s structured plan to enhance air connectivity and modern aviation facilities, particularly under the UDAN scheme, which aims to expand air services between districts and introduce new flights from major airports.
Chief Minister Sharma directed officials to prepare a roadmap for establishing a civil enclave in Suratgarh and to undertake development works at the Lalgarh airstrip. Additionally, he instructed authorities to explore the feasibility of new greenfield airports in Deeg-Kumher, Sirohi, Sikar, and Bhiwadi. Sharma emphasized that the development of new aviation infrastructure would not only boost regional growth but also provide alternative airport facilities during emergencies, promote tourism and trade, and benefit Non-Resident Rajasthanis. He also urged officials to expedite the development of a new civil enclave and approach road at Uttarlai Airport.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Akhil Arora, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India Vipin Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department Naveen Jain, along with officials from the Chief Minister’s Office and other departments.
