Bengaluru second airport: Four potential locations announced by minister

Karnataka Infrastructure Minister MB Patil recently announced plans to convene a meeting soon to determine the location of Bengaluru’s proposed second airport. The decision will primarily consider two key factors: passenger load and connectivity to the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The exclusivity clause with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which restricts the establishment of another airport within a 150-kilometer radius, ends in 2032. This clause will allow the potential development of a new airport by 2033.

Considering the time required for land acquisition and compensation for landowners, the government has initiated the planning process early. Patil also addressed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to build an airport in Hosur, stating that it needs to be examined whether the exclusivity clause with BIAL applies to it.

Possible locations for Bengaluru second airport

Potential locations for the new airport were outlined by Patil based on these criteria. Areas like Sarjapur and Kanakapura Road are strong contenders if the priority is passenger load. However, if connectivity to KIA takes precedence, locations such as Tumakuru and Dabaspet will be frontrunners. The minister explained that these options will be thoroughly discussed in an upcoming departmental meeting, followed by consultations with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the cabinet.

Lawmakers lobby for their constituencies

The government’s proposal to construct a second international airport for Bengaluru has sparked lobbying among Congress MLAs. Legislators representing assembly seats around the city are lobbying for the new airport to be situated in their constituencies. Home Minister G Parameshwara, who represents Koratagere in Tumakuru, advocates for Sira in the district or anywhere between Pavagada and Chitradurga, proposing an allocation of 8,000 acres for the project while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is lobbying for Bidadi or Harohalli industrial area, according to a TOI report. Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna has proposed Magadi, Solur, or Dabaspet, emphasizing the potential economic benefits and regional development an airport could bring.

Experts and urbanists have also weighed in, suggesting the government reconsider reopening HAL airport for short-haul flights and proposing locations between Bengaluru and Mysuru, such as Bidadi for the new airport, citing strategic advantages and potential for interstate collaboration. Noted urbanist Ashwin Mahesh highlighted Bidadi’s strategic location between Bengaluru and Mysuru.