In light of Bengaluru’s growing demands, Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil has directed staff to draft a feasibility study for the establishment of a second commercial airport in the city. In a discussion with senior department representatives, Patil spoke about the need for a new airport to serve the quickly expanding city. The managing director of the Karnataka Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, BC Satish, the executive director, and N Manjula, the secretary of the department responsible for infrastructure development, were present at the meeting.
Bengaluru Considers Second Airport: 10 Key Points To Know
- Feasibility Study Directed: Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil has directed staff to draft a feasibility study for establishing a second commercial airport in Bengaluru.
- High-Level Discussion: Patil discussed the need for a new airport with senior department representatives, including BC Satish, managing director of Karnataka Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, and N Manjula, secretary of the infrastructure development department.
- Kempegowda Airport’s Capacity: Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) handled over 4 lakh tons of cargo and 3.7 crore passengers last year, making it the third busiest airport in India.
- Future Expansion Needs: The minister emphasized the necessity of a second airport to handle future growth in passenger and freight traffic.
- Exclusivity Agreement: KIA currently has a 150 km radius exclusivity agreement with the government, set to expire in 2033.
- Population and Business Hub: Bengaluru, with a population of over 10 million, is home to several multinational corporations and serves parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighboring areas.
- Projected Capacity Reached by 2033: It is anticipated that KIA will reach its passenger capacity by 2033 and freight capacity by 2040.
- Previous Recommendations: In 2020, the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) recommended the construction of a new airport due to the expected capacity limits of the current airport by 2030.
- Potential Benefits: A second airport would boost affordability, competitiveness, connectivity, and inclusive development, especially along the Bengaluru-Mysore route.
- Potential Sites: The state government is considering sites for the new airport, with the Tumakuru-Chitradurga region identified as a potential location. Authorities are assessing the feasibility of these sites, including considerations for future growth and traffic distribution.
The rationale for the second airport in Bengaluru
According to Patil, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which handled over 4 lakh tons of cargo and 3.7 crore passengers last year, is the third busiest airport in India. The minister stressed the necessity for a second airport in order to handle future expansion in light of this significant volume of travel. Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) and the government made an agreement when KIA was founded to maintain a 150k radius exclusivity for 25 years, ending in 2033. This agreement only lasts for nine years, thus it is now essential to start preparing for a second airport.
With a population of over 10 million, the city is home to several multinational corporations. KIA also serves a portion of Andhra Pradesh and the neighboring areas. It is anticipated that KIA will achieve capacity for passengers by 2033, and that freight traffic will peak by 2040.
In 2020, the government was encouraged to build a new airport by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC). They emphasized that by 2030, the current airport will be operating at maximum capacity. A second airport will boost affordability, competitiveness, and connection. It would also encourage inclusive development in Bengaluru’s rapidly expanding southern and southwest districts, especially along the Bengaluru-Mysore route.
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Second airport in Bengaluru: Potential sites
The state government is actively contemplating building a second airport in order to improve air transport infrastructure and meet Bengaluru’s expected expansion. According to an article from the previous year, one of the possible spots is the Tumakuru-Chitradurga region.
According to Patil, the state is already in the first phases of pinpointing appropriate sites for the new airport, taking cues from places like Mumbai and Goa that have effectively established many airports. The allocation of traffic between the two airports has to be specified if they are permitted to operate as a second airport in the same city.
Patil has previously emphasized how crucial it is to determine if airports close to Bengaluru’s planned second airport are viable for air traffic. The site must have enough acreage to support an operational airport and allow for future growth.
Although the authorities first thought of restoring the former HAL airport, worries over a lack of expansion space prompted them to look into other possibilities. The Tumakuru–Chitradurga section is where the suggestions are being evaluated, although certain areas are considered unfeasible because of possible expansions or traffic issues.
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