Karnataka Still Contemplating Second Airport Location for Bengaluru; Tamil Nadu Pushes for Hosur
The second airport for Bengaluru, set to alleviate growing pressure on the city’s existing Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), is still in the planning stages, with the Karnataka government yet to decide on a location. However, neighbouring Tamil Nadu has expressed strong interest in having the airport located in Hosur, a city located only 40 kilometres from Bengaluru, as the ideal choice for the project.
Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, acknowledged the need for a second airport due to the increasing footfall at Bengaluru’s current international airport, which is now experiencing significant air traffic congestion. While the government has not officially finalised a site, discussions are ongoing regarding potential locations in Karnataka. Among the proposals under consideration is Tumakuru, a city near Bengaluru and Parameshwara’s native place. However, experts suggest that the decision hinges on several factors, including technical feasibility and adherence to civil aviation guidelines.
On the other hand, the Tamil Nadu government has been actively lobbying for Hosur, citing its proximity to Bengaluru and its strategic location as a key advantage. Hosur, a rapidly growing industrial city, already has the infrastructure and connectivity that would make it a viable location for an international airport. Tamil Nadu has proposed that an airport in Hosur could serve both Bengaluru’s growing demand and provide a convenient gateway for people in Tamil Nadu. Hosur’s location, just 40 km from Bengaluru, means it could efficiently serve the burgeoning demand for both domestic and international flights while easing congestion at the existing airport. Parameshwara noted that air traffic congestion is affecting the city’s connectivity to other major cities like Chennai and Mangaluru, with flights often delayed due to high demand. A second airport could, therefore, address this issue by providing dedicated facilities for international and domestic flights.
The growing demand for air travel, spurred by Bengaluru’s status as an IT hub and major economic centre, has led to significant delays and congestion at the existing airport. As Karnataka’s population grows and the state sees further expansion in industries, education, and healthcare, the need for better air connectivity has become more pressing. In his comments, Parameshwara mentioned that many major cities worldwide, such as Mumbai and Delhi, have multiple airports to handle the rising air traffic. Bengaluru is following a similar path, with a second airport necessary to ensure continued growth and efficiency. While Tumakuru has been suggested as a potential location for the second airport, the final decision remains uncertain. Civil aviation authorities will need to evaluate the feasibility of these proposals, taking into account factors such as land availability, infrastructure, environmental impact, and proximity to Bengaluru. Parameshwara added that the central government would play a key role in deciding whether the project is awarded to Karnataka or if Hosur, in Tamil Nadu, will be given priority. The debate over the airport location highlights the complexities involved in such a major infrastructure project. While Tumakuru is a logical option due to its proximity and land availability, Tamil Nadu’s push for Hosur has added a competitive edge to the discussions. Ultimately, the decision will depend on technical feasibility studies and the civil aviation guidelines that will determine whether either of the locations meets the necessary criteria.
In the meantime, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, is continuing to explore possible sites for the second airport, and a proposal will be submitted to the central government soon. However, no final decision has been made yet, as the process of site evaluation continues. The proposed second airport is crucial for Bengaluru’s long-term development. The city, already known as the Silicon Valley of India, continues to attract global businesses, industries, and tourists. Inadequate air infrastructure could hamper this growth, leading to inefficiencies in connectivity, travel, and commerce. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are well aware of the importance of this project, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will resolve the competition between Tumakuru and Hosur. Regardless of the final location, the second airport is expected to significantly enhance the region’s air transport capacity, improve travel times, and support economic growth for years to come.
