The Karnataka Government is taking concrete steps toward establishing a second airport for Bengaluru, with Industries Minister M B Patil announcing that tenders will be floated within a week to commission a detailed feasibility study of three identified locations.
Three Potential Locations Under Scrutiny
The state government has identified three potential sites for the proposed second airport, with two locations situated along Kanakapura Road and the third on Kunigal Road near Nelamangala. The upcoming tender process will select a consultancy firm to conduct a comprehensive analysis of these sites.
Minister Patil revealed these developments during an interview with indianexpress.com on the sidelines of the Bengaluru Tech Summit. The detailed study will examine multiple critical aspects including financial viability, technical feasibility, terrain analysis, projected air traffic, and annual revenue potential for each location.
Timeline and Exclusivity Clause Considerations
The initiative to begin work on Bengaluru's second airport is strategically timed, considering that the exclusivity clause in the agreement with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) expires in 2033. This clause currently prevents the development of another international airport within a 150-kilometer aerial radius of the existing Devanahalli airport.
The state government plans to commence construction work by 2030, ensuring the new airport becomes operational soon after the exclusivity period concludes in 2033. This forward-looking approach demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing Bengaluru's growing aviation needs.
Background and Regional Context
The urgency for a second airport gained momentum after Tamil Nadu announced plans for an airport at Hosur, located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Bengaluru. Tamil Nadu has already submitted a site-clearance application for the Hosur airport earlier this month, adding competitive pressure to the regional aviation infrastructure development.
Earlier this year, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted preliminary inspections of the three proposed sites. According to sources within the industries department, the AAI identified various challenges at each location and recommended measures to address potential obstacles for aircraft movement.
The consultancy report resulting from the tender process will help optimize the proposal for a specific site and provide the necessary documentation to submit to the AAI for final site clearance. This systematic approach ensures that the selected location will be thoroughly vetted for long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
