Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 22: The Karnataka government has announced that a multidisciplinary team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will visit the state from April 7 to 9 to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed second international 'Greenfield' airport in Bengaluru.
At a press conference, M. B. Patil, Minister for Large, Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, revealed that the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) has already paid a fee of Rs 1.21 crore to AAI to facilitate the study.
Three potential sites have been identified for the new airport: two locations along Kanakapura Road and one on the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
“We sent a letter to the Airport Authority on March 5, requesting them to inspect the identified sites for the proposed airport. In line with their instructions, the team will visit the sites. We’ve already prepared essential documentation such as revenue maps, ten-year weather reports, detailed geographic images, Survey of India maps, and operational details of the proposed airport,” Minister Patil said.
Patil emphasized that the existing airport in Bengaluru is facing significant pressure, and the current regulation, which prohibits the construction of another airport within a 150 km radius until 2033, will soon expire. This is prompting the government to expedite the process of establishing the second airport, with hopes that it could be operational by 2033.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding proposals to build the new airport near Sira town in Tumkuru, stating that such a location would not be feasible. “If the airport is built in Sira, it would be similar to district-level airports in places like Shivamogga and Vijayapura. To truly serve Bengaluru, the airport must be located close to the city. This is the only way to attract investors and make the project viable,” Patil explained.
In another development, the Baldota Group plans to invest Rs 54,000 crore in a large-scale steel manufacturing plant in Koppal, which has raised concerns about potential pollution. A protest is being led by Swamiji, the head of Gavimath, against the project. In response, Patil noted that an independent pollution study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is underway, and further action will be determined based on the findings.
“As a minister, I understand the need for industrial growth, but I also respect the public’s concerns. There is no political agenda involved in this matter,” he added.