Cabinet Approves Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of ?1507 crore.

Greenfield Airport:

A Greenfield Airport is a new aviation facility built entirely from scratch on previously undeveloped land.
Unlike Brownfield projects, it does not involve redevelopment or demolition of existing structures.

Key Characteristics

Greenfield Airportin India:

India has approved 21 greenfield airport projects, with 12 already operational.
These operational airports include Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar, Mopa, Shivamogga, and Rajkot.
Additionally, development is progressing rapidly on the Noida (Jewar) and Navi Mumbai International Airports.

Advantages

Faster Construction: No time spent demolishing old structures.
Connectivity: Enhances regional, national, and international air travel; reduces congestion at existing airports.
Economic Growth: Promotes trade, tourism, investment, and employment.
Environmental Edge: Allows integration of renewable energy, green buildings, and sustainable design.

Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008

Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008 – issued by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
Objective: Facilitate development of new airports on underdeveloped land.
Approval Process:
- SiteClearance
- In-Principle Approval (by MoCA)
Eligibility: State governments and private entities can propose projects under this policy.