Karnataka Govt. Expected to Propose Two Sites for Establishing Bengaluru’s Second Airport by February 17

The Karnataka government is actively working on establishing a second airport for Bengaluru to accommodate rising aviation demands. On August 5, 2024, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil chaired a meeting to shortlist seven potential sites for the project. These include Harohalli, Dobbaspet, areas near Tumakuru, Koratagere, Kunigal, Huliyurdurga, and Malavalli.

The urgency behind this initiative stems from Tamil Nadu's plans to develop an international airport in Hosur, about 40-50 kilometers from Bengaluru. To maintain the city’s aviation capacity and prevent a shift in air traffic, Karnataka aims to expedite the proposal with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The final site selection will be based on factors such as passenger traffic, connectivity, industrial growth, cargo handling capacity, and environmental considerations.

One challenge in developing the second airport is the existing exclusivity agreement with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which prohibits the construction of another airport within a 150-kilometer radius until 2033. However, given the time required for land acquisition, compensation, and approvals, the government has initiated early planning to ensure that the airport is operational by 2035.

A meeting held on July 7, 2024, focused on key criteria for selecting the airport's location. Passenger demand and connectivity to KIA are major considerations. Areas such as Sarjapura and Kanakapura Road have high passenger volumes, while Tumakuru and Dobbaspet offer strong connectivity to the existing airport. The final decision will be made after further consultations with the Chief Minister and the cabinet.

Bengaluru’s rapid expansion has made a second airport necessary. In 2023, KIA handled 37.5 million passengers and over 400,000 tonnes of cargo, ranking as India’s third-busiest airport after Delhi and Mumbai. Projections indicate that KIA will reach its peak passenger capacity by 2033 and its maximum cargo capacity by 2040. To avoid congestion, the government sees early planning as essential.

Industry representatives have also highlighted the need for a second airport. The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) has proposed a location between Ramanagaram and Channapatna along the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor. This area has strong road and rail connectivity, which could support regional growth while easing pressure on Bengaluru.

A second airport is expected to contribute to balanced economic development by attracting investments to satellite towns. It could also increase competition in the aviation sector, improving services and reducing travel costs. By carefully assessing locations and planning ahead, the Karnataka government aims to ensure that Bengaluru’s second airport effectively meets future demand.

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