Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 1,507-crore Kota–Bundi greenfield airport project in Rajasthan, describing it as a major step toward boosting connectivity, tourism and economic development in the Hadoti region.
Addressing the event through a video message, the Prime Minister also praised Om Birla, the Lok Sabha Speaker and Member of Parliament from Kota, for his role in pushing development projects in the region.
The proposed airport is expected to significantly improve air connectivity for Kota and nearby districts, which have long demanded direct flight links to major cities. Officials said the project would help promote tourism, support local industries and accelerate economic growth in the region.
Modi credited Birla for consistently working toward the development of Kota and surrounding areas. He highlighted several initiatives pursued by the MP, including the new airport project, the upcoming Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) campus, and expansion of road infrastructure.
“I want to commend the continuous efforts of Kota’s Member of Parliament Shri Om Birla for this important project. His endeavour has always been to improve the lives of the people of Kota and provide them with new opportunities,” the Prime Minister said.
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Modi also praised Birla’s conduct as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, saying he remains committed to the Constitution and parliamentary traditions.
“Om Birla is as outstanding a Speaker of the Lok Sabha as he is an MP. He is fully dedicated to the Constitution and holds deep respect for parliamentary systems,” the Prime Minister said, adding that Birla manages parliamentary proceedings by taking both the government and the opposition along.
The Prime Minister remarked that Birla respects the views of all MPs and maintains composure even during heated debates in the House.
Modi’s remarks come amid a political row over a proposed resolution seeking Birla’s removal as Speaker. Several opposition MPs have accused him of being partisan and of limiting opportunities for opposition leaders to speak in the House.
The issue is expected to come up during the second phase of Parliament’s Budget Session, scheduled to begin on March 9, where both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress have issued whips to ensure the presence of their MPs.
The Kota–Bundi airport project, meanwhile, is being seen as a key infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in southern Rajasthan.
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