Bengaluru second airport: Another location added to list of proposed sites; CM Shivakumar hints at where it could be

The list of potential locations for Bengaluru's proposed second airport has expanded, with Harohalli emerging as a fourth site under consideration.

On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar directed the Infrastructure Development Department (IDD) to examine Harohalli as an additional potential location. The other shortlisted sites are Nelamangala, Somanahalli and Chudahalli.

However, the Karnataka government has deferred a final decision on the airport's location and will wait for a comprehensive technical feasibility report before submitting its proposal to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).


Shivakumar said the final site would be selected based on technical feasibility, social impact and the cost of land acquisition. The state has appointed a Singapore-based consultancy to conduct the technical assessment, while KPMG is carrying out the financial study. The proposed airport is expected to require around 3,500 acres of land.

He directed officials to keep land acquisition costs under control and minimise displacement.

According to media reports, Shivakumar said the proposed second airport will be located in South Bengaluru.

"We have asked them to identify a location where land prices are low so that the project does not burden the state government. It should also be technically feasible, not too hilly, and should not require displacement of villages. A few scattered houses can be compensated, but villages should not be shifted," he said.

The proposal for a second airport was announced in Karnataka's Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in March. The Airports Authority of India has been tasked with providing technical inputs for the feasibility study.

AAI officials have already inspected three shortlisted sites—two along Kanakapura Road near Harohalli in South Bengaluru and another on the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road west of the city. Government sources have indicated that the two Kanakapura Road locations are currently preferred because they are expected to involve lower land acquisition challenges and offer better overall feasibility.