Karnataka Government Announces Development of State Civil Aviation Policy
In a significant move for regional air connectivity, the Karnataka government is actively preparing its own comprehensive civil aviation policy. Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil made this announcement during a session in the state assembly on Friday, outlining multiple strategic aspects the policy will address to strengthen the sector's framework within the state.
Focus on Feasibility and Viability of Airport Projects
Minister Patil emphasized the critical need for airport projects to be both economically feasible and operationally viable. He highlighted a concerning trend observed across India, where airports are constructed but often shut down within three years due to unsustainable operations. "We build airports, but after three years they shut down. This is the situation across the country," Patil stated, underscoring the urgency for more robust support mechanisms.
Request to Extend UDAN Scheme and Enhance Central Support
To combat this issue, Patil revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and he recently met with the Union Civil Aviation Minister. They formally requested an extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme from its current three-year duration to five years. Additionally, they proposed that for the subsequent five years, the Centre and state should jointly support airport operations in a 50:50 financial ratio.
Patil expressed optimism about a positive resolution, noting that the Central government is already considering similar measures. "It may not be exactly what we have sought but there will be a resolution," he assured the assembly, indicating ongoing collaborative discussions.
State Aviation Policy to Provide Clarity and Follow Precedents
Simultaneously, the Infrastructure Development Department will formulate Karnataka's dedicated civil aviation policy. Patil pointed out that other states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have successfully implemented similar policies. The Karnataka policy aims to offer clear guidelines on various issues, including the state's financial share and the bulk amounts sought by international airlines, thereby creating a more transparent and attractive environment for aviation investments.
Ballari Airport Project: Challenges and Deliberations
Addressing a specific query from BJP legislator G Janardhana Reddy regarding the proposed Ballari airport, Patil provided detailed insights. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has identified two potential sites measuring 800 acres and 1,200 acres. However, Patil cautioned that land acquisition and compensation costs alone could nearly match the entire airport project's expense, making this option currently impractical.
To resolve this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will soon chair a crucial meeting with public representatives from Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts to finalize the airport's location. Patil stressed the importance of this collaborative approach to ensure a viable outcome.
Strategic Planning to Avoid Airport Proximity Issues
Minister Patil also advised careful planning to prevent airports from being built too close to each other, which can lead to operational inefficiencies. He cited examples such as the 70-kilometer distance between Hubballi and Belagavi airports and location challenges faced by Vijayapura airport. This strategic consideration aims to optimize regional air connectivity without overlapping services.
The development of Karnataka's state aviation policy marks a proactive step towards enhancing air transport infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth, and addressing long-standing challenges in the civil aviation sector through structured governance and federal cooperation.
