Bengaluru's second airport: Karnataka govt shortlists three sites amid ministers' tug-of-war

Senior ministers in the Siddaramaiah-led government are divided over the location of the second airport in Bengaluru.

The Karnataka government has shortlisted three sites for Bengaluru's second airport, even as Congress ministers lobby for their respective home districts.

State government sources told Moneycontrol that three potential sites— two on Kanakapura Road, and Solur (located between Nelamangala and Kunigal Road)—have been shortlisted.

Also, read: Bengaluru’s second airport: Karnataka to send proposal to AAI this week, says MB Patil

In June 2024, State Infrastructure Development Department (IDD) Minister M B Patil said that the government was scouting for land for Bengaluru’s second airport from a list of seven locations. However, the proposal is yet to be sent to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as the ministers are not on the same page.

Patil had earlier stated that the airport will have the capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers annually and will require around 4,500 to 5,000 acres of land.

“Three sites have been shortlisted, but a final decision will be made after consulting with the Chief Minister. The proposal will be sent to the AAI after the CM’s approval," a source told Moneycontrol.

Also, read: Bengaluru's second airport: BCG, iDeCK detail plans with Karnataka ministers

However, senior Congress ministers appear to have not aligned on the choice of location. While Shivakumar wants the second airport in Kanakapura Road, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara is pushing for Tumakuru.

“I have requested Patil to establish Bengaluru’s second international airport in the vicinity of Tumakuru. Land has already been identified in two places—3,000 acres off NH-48 near Vasantha Narasapura Industrial Area, and 4,000-5,000 acres near Seebi temple in Sira taluk,” said Parameshwara.

Also, read: Bengaluru's second airport: Karnataka minister reveals possible sites

Patil had earlier said that seven sites for the proposed airport had been identified, including Kanakapura Road, Mysuru Road, Magadi, Doddaballapur, Dabaspet, and Tumakuru. He said that the final location will be decided based purely on merit. "The decision will be made soon in the interest of Bengaluru after considering all the pros and cons, which will be sent to the AAI," he added.

Airport as a real-estate catalyst

Experts said that much like Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli, which triggered real estate development in north Bengaluru, the location of the second airport will impact real estate prices and stimulate the development of housing, commercial establishments, and infrastructure.

Also, read:A second airport for Bengaluru on the cards, Karnataka scouts for land

Separately, the Karnataka cabinet on January 30 approved the Integrated Satellite Township between Bidadi and Harohalli.

Shivakumar has reportedly instructed the BBMP to put on hold the proposed 250-meter high Skydeck, as the second airport cannot be too close to the proposed Skydeck. This move is seen as prioritising the second airport over the Skydeck in Kanakapura Road.

Also, read: 'Brand Bengaluru' caught between DK Shivakumar’s vanity projects and city's crumbling infra

In fact, Shivakumar has advised residents of Ramanagara district to hold onto their land, predicting its value will increase. "Ramanagara district will soon be called Bengaluru South district. The new name will be officially declared after the Central government’s nod. I advise people not to sell their land as the value will appreciate," he said.

“Although I can't give you money directly, I have helped increase the value of your property. I cannot put money in your pocket, but God has given me the power to increase your property values tenfold." Shivakumar had said.

Parameshwara, who represents the Koratagere assembly segment in Tumakuru, said, “Tumakuru, located just 70 km away from Bengaluru, is growing rapidly. It will soon become part of Greater Bengaluru as the government is working towards it.” Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and BJP MLA Arvind Bellad, has also demanded that the second airport be built near Sira in Tumakuru district, as it would promote the development of North Karnataka districts.

Also, read: Bengaluru’s second airport: Karnataka to send proposal to AAI this week, says MB Patil

Karnataka is fast-tracking the second airport after the Tamil Nadu government’s plan to develop an airport in Hosur, which is close to Bengaluru’s Electronics City, the city’s tech hub, and nearby areas. The exclusivity agreement with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which prevents the construction of another airport within a 150-kilometer radius, will expire in 2033.

Clearance for second airport

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu assured the Rajya Sabha on February 3 that clearance for a second airport in Bengaluru would be granted once the site is finalised.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who sanctioned Bengaluru's current airport (KIA), also said, "Karnataka government has proposed a new airport, and it’s crucial for Bengaluru’s growth" .

Also, read: Bengaluru's proposed second international airport to have 100 million passenger capacity: Karnataka minister