Bengaluru Plans Second Airport: Location and Timeline Revealed
Karnataka’s Minister for Infrastructure, MB Patil, has unveiled plans for Bengaluru’s second airport, emphasizing considerations of passenger load and connectivity to the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The decision on the airport’s location is set to be finalized after thorough discussions and assessments.
Karnataka’s Minister for Infrastructure, MB Patil, has unveiled plans for Bengaluru’s second airport, emphasizing considerations of passenger load and connectivity to the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The decision on the airport’s location is set to be finalized after thorough discussions and assessments.
Patil highlighted potential locations based on these criteria, stating, “If passenger load is prioritized, areas like Sarjapura and Kanakapura Road are strong contenders. For connectivity to KIA, places like Tumkur and Dabaspete will be leading options.” These factors will be further deliberated in upcoming departmental meetings, followed by reviews with the Chief Minister and the cabinet.
The exclusivity clause currently held by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which restricts the establishment of another airport within a 150-kilometer radius of KIA, is set to expire in 2032. This timeline potentially opens doors for the new airport’s construction by 2033, pending land acquisition and compensation processes that are already in the planning stages.
Drawing parallels with global cities like New York and London, where multiple airports coexist, Patil underscored the necessity for Bengaluru to prepare for future aviation demands. He also mentioned Tamil Nadu’s plans for an airport in Hosur, prompting a review of the applicability of the exclusivity clause with BIAL.
KIA, currently India’s third busiest airport after Delhi and Mumbai, handled 37.5 million passengers and over 400,000 tonnes of cargo last year alone. It is projected to reach peak passenger capacity by 2033 and maximum cargo capacity by 2040, necessitating proactive measures to accommodate future growth.
As Bengaluru continues to expand as a hub for aviation and commerce, the development of a second airport promises to enhance connectivity and alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure, ensuring continued growth in Karnataka’s economic powerhouse.
Sources By Agencies
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