New Avenues of Tourism and Employment Opening Up in Rajasthan

State Government Takes Major Steps for Comprehensive Development of Civil Aviation

Jaipur : Minister of State for Civil Aviation (Independent Charge), Shri Gautam Kumar Dak, has stated that the Rajasthan government is actively taking significant steps for the holistic development of civil aviation in the state. As part of this initiative, the VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) flights has been reduced from 26% to just 1%.

Speaking at the Northern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference in Dehradun on Friday, Shri Dak shared that the state has provided free and encumbrance-free land to the Airports Authority of India for the construction of Kota Greenfield Airport and for the development and expansion of Kishangarh Airport. Land allotment is also underway for the expansion of Udaipur Airport and for the creation of a civil enclave in Uttarlai (Barmer).

Highlighting Rajasthan’s rich network of tourist destinations, religious sites, industrial areas, and educational institutions, the Minister said that regional air connectivity is vital for the state. Currently, RCS flights operate from three airports in the state. The government has proposed to the Centre the inclusion of Mount Abu, Sikar, Sawai Madhopur, Bhilwara, and Sri Ganganagar in the RCS scheme to boost tourism and employment. Regular flights from Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh to metro cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Surat, and Bengaluru have also been requested.

The Minister further noted that Rajasthan has 19 airstrips, ranging from 3,300 to 9,800 feet in length, which are being made available for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), air sports, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. The government’s efforts to attract investment through the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit and special provisions under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) have been fruitful. An FTO is already operational in Kishangarh, and a new FTO will start in Bhilwara by August 2025. Over 10 MoUs worth approximately ₹1,500 crore have been signed so far.

Discussing the helicopter services sector, Shri Dak said the state has around 118 helipads, and construction is ongoing to build additional ones at district headquarters, key tourist destinations, and for emergency medical services. Plans are in place to launch services such as helicopter tourism, pilgrimage tours, and joy rides, along with emergency medical helicopter support. He emphasized the need for Central government support in developing an operational model and standard procedures for these services.

Shri Dak also highlighted that districts like Udaipur, Kota (Chambal), Banswara, and Tonk (Bisalpur) are suitable for seaplane operations. He urged the Centre to conduct feasibility studies in these locations and include them under the RCS scheme.

The Minister concluded by stating that the State Aviation Policy 2024 aims for planned and sustainable development of the entire sector, and he sought financial aid, technical guidance, and policy support from the Central government to achieve this vision.