Karnataka's Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development MB Patil will soon visit Delhi to discuss and seek approvals for Bengaluru’s second airport, weeks after potential sites were shortlisted and shared with Centre. Officials from the Airport Authority of India ( AAI) are expected to visit these sites for inspection and subsequent approval.
In February, Moneycontrol reported that three potential sites - two on Kanakapura Road, and Solur located between Nelamangala and Kunigal - had been shortlisted for the project.
Patil confirmed that the state government had submitted three shortlisted sites to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Also Read: Bengaluru's second airport: Karnataka shortlists three sites amid ministers' tug-of-war
“After the legislative assembly session, I will visit Delhi to discuss these proposed locations with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and Union government officials. Steps will be taken to obtain final approval. Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials will have to visit these sites for inspection and approval. The state government will then make a decision based on feasibility and viability,” said Patil.
Speaking to reporters, Patil said, “The proposal for the Bengaluru's second airport has been forwarded to the Union government. Kunigal Road site is about 38 km from the city centre. Kanakapura Road site offers better connectivity with the Metro, NICE Road, and Mysuru Expressway, all in close proximity,” he added.
The sites have been identified with connectivity in mind, MB Patil said, ensuring they are within 50 km of the city. “If the location is too far, it will not attract passengers. The state will provide the land, but investors must be willing to develop the airport. They will assess feasibility and viability before investing. Our responsibility is to provide the land; the rest will follow under the PPP model,” he said.
Also Read: Bengaluru’s second airport: Karnataka to send proposal to AAI this week, says MB Patil
“We have planned the new international airport keeping in mind Bengaluru’s future growth, industrialisation, and job creation. The decision on the location of Bengaluru’s second airport will be based solely on merit, without yielding to any pressure,” MB Patil said.
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