Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted in-principle approval for setting up Greenfield airports in Kota, Rajasthan and Puri, Odisha, to improve regional air connectivity and support economic growth.
Key Highlights
Approved Projects:
- Kota, Rajasthan – Major educational and industrial hub (Hadoti region)
- Puri, Odisha – Major religious tourism destination (home of Lord Jagannath)
- Approval Type: In-principle approval under the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008
Significance:
- Enhances regional connectivity
- Boosts tourism, trade, and local economy
- Supports Union Government’s vision for equitable development and last-mile connectivity
- Reduces travel time to key pilgrimage and business destinations
About Greenfield Airports
Greenfield airports are built from scratch on undeveloped land, with minimal disruption to existing ecosystems and infrastructure.
Policy Framework:
- Governed by the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008
- Aimed at reducing congestion in metro airports and shifting air traffic to newer, underdeveloped regions
- Promotes eco-friendly and decentralized aviation infrastructure
Approval Process under GFA Policy: Two-Stage Clearance:
- Site Clearance
- In-Principle Approval
Evaluated by:
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Implementation & Financing Responsibility:
- Lies with airport developer (includes state governments or private developers)
Financing & Development Support:
State Governments may provide:
- Land acquisition support
- Real estate development rights
- Rail/road connectivity
- Tax incentives or exemptions
Facts:
- First Greenfield Airport in India: Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- Operational Greenfield Airports (as of 2023):
- 9 including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal, Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Donyi Polo
- Total Approved Greenfield Airports (2023): 21
- India currently has 150+ operational airports, making it one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world