Inspection Scheduled for Second Bengaluru Airport Sites by Central Team
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has confirmed that a team from the Airports Authority of India will conduct a feasibility study for the second international airport in Bengaluru from April 7-9. Multiple locations have been identified for this project, with the aim to alleviate pressure on the existing airport by 2033.
Key Takeaways
- Inspection dates: April 7-9
- Study fee: Rs 1.21 crore paid to AAI
- Identified sites: Kanakapura Road and Nelamangala-Kunigal Road
- Existing airport: Under significant pressure
- Projected completion: By 2033
Bengaluru, March 22 (NationPress) The Karnataka government announced that a multidisciplinary team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will arrive in the state from April 7-9 to conduct a feasibility study on the sites selected for the second international 'Greenfield' airport in the capital city.
During a press conference, Minister M. B. Patil, responsible for Large, Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, revealed that the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) has already remitted a fee of Rs 1.21 crore to AAI for this study.
He highlighted that two potential locations on Kanakapura Road and one along the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road on Bengaluru's outskirts have been earmarked for the second International Airport project.
"On March 5, we communicated with the Airport Authority, requesting them to examine the finalized sites for the proposed airport. Following their guidelines, the team is scheduled to visit. We have compiled documents including the revenue maps for these sites, a decade's worth of weather data, detailed imagery of the geographical features, maps from the Survey of India, and operational specifics of the proposed airport (VFR/IFR)," stated Minister Patil.
"At present, the existing airport in Bengaluru is experiencing significant strain. Furthermore, the stipulation that prohibits the establishment of another airport within a 150 km radius until 2033 is nearing its end. Hence, efforts to expedite the second airport are in progress, and if everything goes as planned, it could be operational by 2033," Patil elaborated.
"Some individuals are advocating for the airport to be located near Sira town in Tumkuru, a neighboring district of Bengaluru, but that option is impractical. Constructing an airport in Sira would be akin to the district-level airports in Shivamogga and Vijayapura.
"To effectively serve Bengaluru's populace, the airport must be situated close to the city. This proximity will attract investor interest in constructing the airport. Without this consideration, the project will not be viable," he responded to a question.
In Koppal, the Baldota Group is set to invest Rs 54,000 crore to establish a large-scale steel manufacturing facility, which is anticipated to result in pollution. A protest against this development is being led by the head of Gavimath, Swamiji. An independent assessment by an organization like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is underway concerning the pollution issue, and subsequent actions will depend on the findings, he noted.
"As a minister, I recognize the importance of industrial development alongside the public's concerns. There is no political agenda involved in this matter," Minister Patil stated.
