Shivamogga's Kuvempu Airport Set for Night Flight Operations
After three years of operation, the Rastrakavi Kuvempu Airport in Shivamogga is poised to commence night flights within the next six months, marking a significant milestone for regional aviation in Karnataka. SG Nanjayyanamath, chairman of the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), announced on Monday that all necessary measures are being implemented to enable night operations at the facility.
Overcoming Technical and Operational Challenges
Despite being the second-largest airport in Karnataka after Bengaluru, the Shivamogga airport has faced persistent issues, including a lack of night-flight capability due to technical limitations. These challenges have led to frequent flight cancellations or diversions to nearby airports, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Nanjayyanamath highlighted that work valued at approximately Rs 6 crore will begin by the end of February to address these problems.
Key developments include:
- Renewal of the airport's licence for three years after payment of a Rs 22 lakh fine, resolving previous administrative delays.
- Completion of the tender process for installing a Doppler Very High Frequency Omni-Range (DVOR) navigation system to minimise weather-related cancellations and support cargo movement.
- Finalisation of electrification works and ongoing soil testing for the night-landing system, with reports expected within a week.
Expanding Connectivity and Infrastructure
To enhance affordability and accessibility, Nanjayyanamath plans to request the Union civil aviation minister to extend the UDAN connectivity scheme to Shivamogga. This initiative aims to keep fares reasonable for the increasing number of passengers travelling to major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Goa.
Additionally, discussions are underway to develop a large commercial complex and a five-star hotel on 17 acres of airport land through a public-private partnership model. Although previous attempts to attract private players for a pilot training centre were unsuccessful, the government will soon invite fresh applications to revive this project.
Addressing Land Allocation Issues
In a move to support local communities, Nanjayyanamath stated that he will discuss with the chief minister the allocation of sites to 370 farmer families who had surrendered land for the airport project. This follows a favourable court order, ensuring that their contributions are recognised and compensated appropriately.
The upcoming night-flight operations and infrastructure upgrades are expected to boost Shivamogga's economic growth and improve travel convenience for residents and visitors alike.
