The Karnataka government will send the proposal for the second airport in Bengaluru to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) this week, minister for large and medium industries and Infrastructure Development MB Patil has said.
The minister’s announcement, made at the CNBC TV18 and Moneycontrol Global AI Conclave 2024, comes as neighbouring Tamil Nadu has fast-tracked its Hosur airport project, which is close to Bengaluru’s Electronics City, the city’s tech hub, and nearby areas.
“We will be sending our proposal this week to the Airports Authority of India for the second airport,” Patil said during a session on November 22.
Patil didn’t disclose the location and said, “It will be based on merit and in the interest of Bengaluru. The location will be chosen considering the needs of the city, its industries, and the holistic development of Bengaluru.”
There were several demands from city MLAs regarding the location, the minister said.
“Currently, we have the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in the north. There have been demands for a second airport in locations like Dobbaspet, Tumakuru, Bidadi, and Harohalli. While South and North Bengaluru MLAs have expressed interest, the decision will not be based on political pressure. It will be purely merit-based and will prioritise the overall development and growth of Bengaluru, its industries, and its people,” he said.
Also read: Bengaluru's second airport: BCG, iDeCK detail plans with Karnataka ministers
Asked about Tamil Nadu’s plans for Hosur, Patil said, “That’s their right; I can’t comment on what Tamil Nadu does. We are focused on developing an airport in Bengaluru that will be one of the best. We already have an excellent airport, and the new airport will be an improvement on it. We are carefully planning the location, considering all factors. I am personally supervising the project.”
Also read: Bengaluru's second airport: Karnataka minister reveals possible sites
The minister that there was a preferential clause in Bengaluru’s airport agreement, which was implemented to make Bengaluru International Airport viable. "This clause, which covers a 150 km radius around Bengaluru, will expire in 2033. Once it ends, we will operationalise our new airport," he said.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, representing Koratagere, has been pitching for near Tumakuru, while deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is keen on Ramanagara (recently renamed South Bengaluru).
Source said earlier the plan was to set up the airport on Tumakuru Road but the government was now keen on South Bengaluru, as Hosur is just 25 km from Electronics City. Sources said areas such as Harohalli, Somanahalli and Bidadi are being considered for the project.
Also read: Airport at Tamil Nadu's Hosur to benefit Bengaluru's tech hub Electronics City and nearby areas
AAI officials are expected to visit these sites to assess feasibility. The final decision would be based on passenger density, connectivity, industrial growth, cargo potential and environmental considerations.
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