Harohalli, a town on the southern outskirts of Bengaluru, has emerged as a potential site for the city's much-anticipated second airport. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confirmed on Wednesday that while no specific site has been finalized, the location will be in the southern part of the city.
CM Shivakumar's Statement
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said, “We have not named any specific site yet, but it will be in the south. Harohalli is one of the options being considered.” The statement comes amid growing demand for a second airport to ease pressure on Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli, which has been operating beyond capacity.
Why Harohalli?
Harohalli, located about 40 km from Bengaluru city center along the NICE Road corridor, offers several advantages. The area has ample land availability and is well-connected by road, with proximity to the proposed Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor. Experts say a southern location would serve residents of South Bengaluru, Electronic City, and surrounding industrial hubs, reducing travel time to the airport.
Project Details and Timeline
The Karnataka government has been exploring the second airport project for over a decade. In 2023, the state government identified six potential sites, including Harohalli, Bidadi, and Nelamangala. A feasibility study by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recommended a location south of the city to balance traffic distribution. The project is expected to be developed as a public-private partnership, with an estimated investment of ₹15,000 crore.
The new airport is planned to handle 30 million passengers annually in its first phase, with two runways and a modern terminal. The state government aims to complete the project by 2030, pending clearances from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and environmental authorities.
Impact on Bengaluru's Growth
Bengaluru's current airport, KIA, handled over 40 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its designed capacity of 25 million. The second airport is seen as critical to sustaining the city's economic growth, particularly in the IT and manufacturing sectors. “A second airport is not a luxury but a necessity for Bengaluru. It will decongest KIA and boost connectivity for the southern corridor,” said a senior official from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).
Residents and business groups have welcomed the development. “Harohalli is a great choice. It will cut travel time for those in South Bengaluru by at least an hour,” said Ravi Kumar, a resident of Electronic City. However, some environmentalists have raised concerns about land acquisition and impact on local ecosystems.
Next Steps
The state government will conduct a detailed site survey and environmental impact assessment before finalizing the location. A high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will oversee the project. The final decision is expected within six months, after which the government will invite bids for the project.
