A significant leap has been taken in the long-awaited expansion of Mysuru Airport, with authorities initiating a crucial joint survey and on-site inspection of the land earmarked for the project. This move marks the first concrete step towards the formal transfer of 206.1 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Land Verification Process Underway
Airport Director PV Usha Kumari confirmed that the process began this week, following the enabling government order dated April 16, 2022. A multi-agency team is conducting a thorough inspection from Monday to Wednesday to verify boundaries, assess ground conditions, and identify any potential encumbrances on the land currently held by the Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC).
Officials from several key agencies are participating in this critical exercise, including:
- KSIIDC
- Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB)
- Chamarajanagar Neelakantappa Nirani Limited (CNNL)
- Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL)
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Their collective effort is aimed at finalizing the documentation required for the official handover, paving the way for physical work to commence.
Transformative Impact of the Expansion
The acquisition and development of this land are set to transform Mysuru's aviation infrastructure. The most notable upgrade will be the extension of the runway from its current 1.7 kilometers to 2.3 kilometers. This extension is crucial as it will enable the airport to handle wide-bodied aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, significantly boosting both regional and international air connectivity.
The project's scope extends far beyond just the runway. A dedicated cargo terminal is also proposed, which will provide a major fillip to local agricultural and industrial exports. This facility is expected to be a game-changer for shipping Mysuru's renowned Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products to national and global markets.
Boosting Tourism and the Local Economy
Enhanced air connectivity is poised to position Mysuru as a premier gateway for tourists. The city, already a major domestic destination, will become more accessible to international visitors, particularly during iconic events like the Dasara celebrations. The improved infrastructure is anticipated to catalyze broader economic growth by attracting new investments, fostering trade, and generating employment opportunities across the region.
With the land survey now in progress, the vision for a larger, more capable Mysuru Airport is finally moving from the planning stage towards reality.
