A New Era for Air Travel: Udaipur Prepares to Become a Global Gateway

The city of Udaipur, famed worldwide as the ‘City of Lakes,’ is on the brink of a massive infrastructure change that promises to redefine its global status. The expansion of the Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok is no longer just a blueprint—it is now a crucial phase of implementation. Under the proactive Rajasthan Civil Aviation Policy, 2024, the government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have begun the process to acquire 145 acres of private land surrounding the existing airport premises. This vital step is the foundation for an airport that will be capable of handling future international flights and boosting the entire Mewar region’s economy and tourism.

The land acquisition is not an isolated project but a part of a much larger vision. It will support the construction of a major, world-class new terminal building already underway and provide the necessary space for expanding the runway, building new taxiways, and creating more aircraft parking bays—all essential elements for a truly modern, high-capacity airport.

The Driving Force: Rajasthan Civil Aviation Policy, 2024

This ambitious plan is powered by the State Government’s Rajasthan Civil Aviation Policy, 2024. The policy’s main goal is simple: to make air travel easier, faster, and more widespread across the state. It focuses on:

1. Upgrading Existing Infrastructure: Improving airports like Udaipur and Uttarlai (Barmer).
2. Boosting Connectivity: Connecting major cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer through internal air routes using smaller aircraft.
3. Promoting Aviation Training: Establishing new flying training schools and offering tax incentives on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).

“The expansion of Udaipur Airport is a direct reflection of the state government’s commitment to making Rajasthan a major hub for trade and tourism,” said a senior official from the Rajasthan Civil Aviation Department. “Our policy is about future-proofing our infrastructure. Udaipur is a global destination, and its airport must reflect that.”

Land Acquisition: The Key to Unlocking Capacity

The 145 acres of land slated for acquisition are located in revenue villages adjacent to the current airport perimeter. These areas include Dabok, Ganoli, Tus Dangiyan, Rawatpura, Tus, and Mandesar in the Mavli Tehsil of Udaipur district.

The Process: Fair Compensation and Public Hearing

Recognizing the sensitivity of acquiring private land, the process is being carried out strictly under the guidelines of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act.

Before finalising the acquisition, a two-day public hearing was organized on December 19 and 20 (2024). This hearing was crucial for officials to directly meet the affected landowners (known as ‘Khaatedari’ holders) and those with ‘Without Title’ (‘Benaami’) land. The purpose was to:

• Explain the need for the acquisition (public interest).
• Address the concerns and queries of the landholders.
• Ensure that the compensation package being offered is fair and transparent, reflecting the current market value of the land, along with rehabilitation and resettlement benefits as mandated by law.

Quote from Local Administration: “Our primary responsibility is to ensure that every affected family is treated with dignity and fairness,” stated Mr. Ramesh Sirvi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mavli. “The compensation packages are designed not just to buy land, but to support the affected families in building a secure future elsewhere. We are strictly adhering to the Fair Compensation Act.”

The successful completion of this land acquisition phase is critical because, without the extra space, the airport cannot proceed with its larger infrastructural upgrades, most notably the expansion of its core flight facilities.

The Already-Pioneering New Terminal Building

The land acquisition is perfectly timed to complement the massive construction project already underway: the New Integrated Passenger Terminal Building.

This new terminal is a project of national importance for the region:

• Cost and Size: It is being built at an estimated cost of ₹887 crore and will cover a sprawling area of 43,000 square metres. This makes it nearly four times larger than the existing terminal.
• Capacity Jump: The current terminal can handle about 680 passengers per hour. The new terminal will increase this capacity significantly, designed to handle 2,050 passengers during peak hours, effectively tripling the current capacity.
• Timeline: While the original deadline was September 2026, construction is progressing rapidly and is now expected to be operational six months ahead of schedule, by March 2026.

Key Features of the New Terminal:

• Check-in and Security: It will feature 42 new check-in counters, bringing the total to 55, and 26 security check booths for faster processing.
• Aircraft Handling: Six new aerobridges will be built, allowing for the simultaneous departure of up to four aircraft—a huge leap from current capabilities.
• Aesthetics and Culture: The terminal walls will showcase the rich art, heritage, and culture of the Mewar region, offering visitors a sense of place immediately upon arrival.
• Passenger Facilities: The terminal will include a marketplace for local handicrafts, expanded dining options, and parking capacity for up to 700 vehicles.

The International Dream: Preparing the Runway and Airside

While the new terminal provides the necessary space for passengers, the 145 acres of acquired land are primarily needed for the airside expansion. This technical upgrade is what will truly prepare Udaipur for its ultimate goal: international flight operations.

The main elements requiring the extra land are:

1. Runway Extension: The current runway needs to be extended to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft (like Boeing 747s or Airbus A380s) used for long-haul international routes.
2. Parallel Taxiways: Building parallel taxiways allows aircraft to land and take off without blocking the main runway, significantly increasing the airport’s movement capacity (Air Traffic Movement or ATM).
3. Expanded Apron: More land is needed to build a larger apron (the area where aircraft park, refuel, and unload), increasing the number of parking bays available for simultaneous flights.

Statement from AAI: “The construction of the new terminal addresses the passenger volume, but the land acquisition is for the operational efficiency,” explained Sawar Mal Singaria, Director, Udaipur Airport. “We are designing the airside infrastructure to meet international safety and operational standards for the next thirty years. The larger apron and taxiways are mandatory to welcome foreign carriers.”

Economic and Tourism Impact: More Than Just Flights

The complete expansion project—combining the new terminal and the airside upgrades—is projected to have an unprecedented positive impact on the economy of Udaipur and the wider Mewar and Vagad regions (including Dungarpur, Banswara, Rajsamand, etc.).

1. Tourism Boom

Udaipur is already a premium tourist and wedding destination. Enhanced air connectivity will:

• Attract Foreign Tourists Directly: Currently, international tourists often have to fly into Jaipur, Delhi, or Ahmedabad and then take a domestic flight or drive. Direct international flights will save time and attract high-end foreign tourists in much larger numbers.
• Boost Regional Tourism: The airport is the gateway to nearby religious and historical sites like Nathdwara (Shrinathji Temple), Kumbhalgarh, and Ranakpur. Better connectivity will increase pilgrimage and adventure tourism across the entire region.
• Year-Round Demand: The consistent passenger traffic (which already exceeds 1.5 lakh passengers per month) will become even more stable, reducing the impact of seasonal travel fluctuations.

2. Employment and Trade

The expansion directly creates thousands of jobs:

• Construction Phase: Immediate employment for local laborers and specialized workers.
• Operational Phase: Permanent jobs in ground handling, security, retail, maintenance, and flight operations.
• Indirect Growth: A surge in demand for hotels, taxis, tour operators, and local handicrafts, leading to a rise in entrepreneurship and income generation for local communities.

Quotation from Tourism Expert: “For the hospitality sector, this is a game-changer. The ability to host large international charter flights and offer direct connectivity will position Udaipur not just as a tourist spot, but as a major MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. The economic multiplier effect will be huge,” commented a representative of the Udaipur Hotel Association.

3. Training and Skilling

The Rajasthan Civil Aviation Policy also focuses on creating an aviation training ecosystem. With new flying training institutes being opened in the state, Udaipur’s modernized airport will provide crucial exposure and infrastructure for future pilots, engineers, and ground staff, establishing the state as a centre for aviation excellence.

A Vision for ‘New Rajasthan’

The acquisition of 145 acres of land marks a moment of commitment by the government to transform the state’s aviation landscape. While the process of land acquisition is complex and requires careful handling of stakeholder interests, its successful completion is fundamental to realizing the dream of a modern, well-connected ‘New Rajasthan.’

Udaipur’s airport is evolving from a regional hub into a key national asset, promising a future of higher capacity, faster travel, and unprecedented economic prosperity for the City of Lakes and its surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the purpose of acquiring 145 acres of land at Udaipur Airport?

A: The main purpose is to provide the necessary space for the overall expansion and modernization of the Maharana Pratap Airport. This land is crucial for extending the runway to accommodate larger international aircraft, constructing parallel taxiways for efficient movement, and building more aircraft parking bays (apron), all of which are essential for future international flight operations and increased traffic capacity.

Q2: Is the acquisition process fair to the affected landowners?

A: Yes. The state government is conducting the acquisition under the central law, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. This law ensures that landowners receive compensation that reflects the true market value of their property, along with additional benefits for rehabilitation and resettlement. Public hearings are held to ensure transparency and address any concerns from the affected families.

Q3: When will the new terminal building be ready, and what is its capacity?

A: The new Integrated Passenger Terminal Building is currently under fast-track construction. It is expected to be operational by March 2026, which is six months ahead of its original schedule. This new terminal will be four times larger than the current one, capable of handling 2,050 passengers per hour during peak times, a massive increase from the current 680-passenger capacity.

Q4: When can Udaipur expect to start international flights?

A: The expansion project is designed specifically to prepare the airport for international standards (longer runway, larger apron, customs, and immigration facilities). While the date for the commencement of international flights depends on agreements with international airlines and formal declaration by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the physical infrastructure to support them will be fully ready once the new terminal (March 2026) and the airside upgrades (supported by the new land) are complete.