Jodhpur, July 4 (IANS) Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday dismissed the opposition’s criticism of the architectural design and arches of the newly inaugurated Jodhpur Airport terminal, saying that some people are trying to find politics even in development works.

Speaking to the media after the inauguration of the new integrated terminal building, Shekhawat said those raising questions about the terminal’s architectural style should first understand its design philosophy and the concept behind it before making comments.

“Instead of celebrating the fulfilment of a long-standing public demand, some people are attempting to create a political controversy,” he said, adding that those criticising the arches should have examined the design more closely before commenting.

Describing the inauguration of the new terminal as a landmark moment for Jodhpur, the Union Minister said the project represented years of public aspiration, sustained efforts, and coordination among multiple agencies.

Constructed at a cost of around Rs 480 crore, the modern integrated terminal is expected to significantly enhance the city’s aviation infrastructure and strengthen its connectivity with major destinations across the country.

Shekhawat said acquiring nearly 37 acres of land for the terminal was the project’s biggest challenge.

Bringing together the Indian Air Force, the Airports Authority of India, the Directorate General of Defence Estates, the Rajasthan government, and the Municipal Corporation required extensive coordination, but the cooperation of all stakeholders ultimately made the project possible.

Recalling the circumstances before 2014, he said there had been uncertainty over the future of the airport, with proposals at one stage to shift it from its existing location.

After being elected to Parliament in 2014, he made the project one of his priorities and worked continuously to resolve the land-related issues that had stalled its progress.

Shekhawat expressed special gratitude to PM Modi for supporting the project.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, late Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, former Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, former Jodhpur Mayor Ghanshyam Ojha, and all departments and agencies involved in completing the project.

He said the project gained momentum after a multi-agency agreement involving the Indian Air Force, the Directorate General of Defence Estates, the Airports Authority of India, the state government, and the Municipal Corporation.

Around Rs 36 crore was also provided to relocate Air Force infrastructure, paving the way for the construction of the new terminal.

Highlighting the growth in Jodhpur’s aviation sector, Shekhawat said that when he was first elected as an MP in 2014, only six flights operated daily from Jodhpur Airport.

Today, nearly 30 flights operate every day, connecting the city with major destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad.

He added that the Union Civil Aviation Minister has assured further expansion of air connectivity, with long-term efforts aimed at developing Jodhpur into an airport of international standards.

Shekhawat said PM Modi had suggested that the old terminal building should be put to meaningful public use. Responsibility for preparing the proposal has been entrusted to him.

He said consultations would be held with the people of Jodhpur to determine the best possible use of the old terminal, with the objective of creating a model that could serve as an example for airports across the country.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Jodhpur and the media for their continued support, Shekhawat said public encouragement had strengthened his resolve throughout the long journey of the project.

The Union Minister said the significance of the day extended beyond the airport inauguration.

Referring to the refinery at Pachpadra, being developed at an investment of nearly Rs 80,000 crore, he said the project would transform the economy of western Rajasthan.

He also highlighted the second phase of the Jodhpur Ring Road and the comprehensive ring road network being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 2,000 crore.

Looking ahead, Shekhawat said his priorities include the construction of an elevated road in Jodhpur and the redevelopment of the railway station into one of the country’s finest model stations.

He expressed confidence that, with continued support from the Central Government, Jodhpur would achieve new milestones in infrastructure, transportation, tourism, and industrial development.

He said the inauguration of Jodhpur’s new integrated terminal building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolises far more than the completion of an infrastructure project; it represents the fulfilment of a long-standing public aspiration and marks a new chapter in the city’s development journey.

–IANS

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