Jaipur, Nov. 13 -- Rajasthan is working to expand air connectivity to Kota, Kishangarh, Barmer and Bikaner, while plans are underway to set up flying training organisations (FTOs) in four more districts, chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Thursday. Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony for the new state terminal building at Jaipur airport, Sharma said the government was strengthening transport infrastructure through better coordination with the Centre. The expansion of air, rail and road networks, he said, was aimed at improving connectivity for residents, businesses and tourists. The chief minister said Rs.52.35 crore had been sanctioned for the new terminal building at Jaipur airport, with construction in the first phase being undertaken at a cost of Rs.19.62 crore. The proposed building will have two VIP lounges, a conference hall, a meeting hall, 10 guest rooms, a training room, a cafe, security screening facilities and office space. It will also incorporate elements of Rajasthan's cultural heritage alongside modern architectural features. In the second phase, a hangar and apron facilities will be developed to facilitate the parking of aircraft and helicopters. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has allotted 12,778 square metres of land to the state government for the project. Sharma said efforts were underway to improve air connectivity to Kota, Kishangarh, Barmer and Bikaner. The new terminal building at Jodhpur airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, has increased the airport's annual passenger-handling capacity from 1.2 million to two million, he said. Terminal buildings at Jaipur and Kota airports are also being developed. Flying training organisations have already started operations at Kishangarh airport and the Hamirgarh airstrip in Bhilwara. Land is being allotted for setting up FTOs in Jhalawar, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Sri Ganganagar. The government is also making 145 acres available for the expansion of Udaipur airport, Sharma said. Highlighting the expansion of railway infrastructure, the chief minister said Rs.10,228 crore had been allocated to Rajasthan for railway development and modernisation in the current financial year. Railway projects worth more than Rs.76,800 crore are underway in the state, while 85 railway stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He also said Rajasthan had emerged as a major beneficiary of the development of national high-speed corridors and greenfield expressways. The state has 1,192 km of expressways, the highest among states, according to Sharma. Nearly one-fourth of the country's national expressways pass through Rajasthan, he said. The state government is also developing nine new greenfield expressways to further strengthen connectivity. Sharma said the expansion of transport infrastructure was intended to help farmers transport their produce to markets more easily, create employment opportunities for young people, improve logistics for industries and make travel more convenient for tourists....