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HomeInfrastructureAirportsDK Shivakumar Advocates for New Bengaluru International Airport Near Kanakapura

DK Shivakumar Advocates for New Bengaluru International Airport Near Kanakapura

DK Shivakumar Advocates for New Bengaluru International Airport Near Kanakapura

Bengaluru, a city experiencing rapid growth, is set to face a surge in aviation demand over the coming years, with current projections suggesting that the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) may reach its capacity by 2035. In light of this, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is championing the establishment of a second international airport, positioning it near his constituency of Kanakapura.

The location being considered for the second airport is a vast area between Bidadi and Harohalli, which offers strategic proximity to Bengaluru’s prominent industrial hubs, such as Electronic City. This site is seen as a potential gateway to connect the city with even greater global and domestic routes, meeting the needs of an increasingly urban and industrialised region.

Official sources confirmed that the project is moving forward, though the next steps hinge on approval from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who must sign off on the site selection. The state government is reportedly exploring a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the project, mirroring the successful partnership that led to the creation of KIA. As with the original airport, private investors would be expected to commit to the substantial investment required for land acquisition and infrastructure development. Shivakumar has been actively lobbying for the proposed site, emphasising its benefits not only for Bengaluru’s future but also for the residents of Kanakapura. While he has not faced significant opposition within the state government, the challenge lies in acquiring the estimated 4,000 acres of land necessary for the airport, which could face complications around land acquisitions and displacement of local communities.

The Deputy CM has advised residents of Kanakapura to hold on to their farmlands, stating that their value will increase significantly in the near future. His advocacy for the project aligns with his broader vision of enhancing the region’s value and infrastructure. In fact, his push for the creation of a new district, Bengaluru South, by renaming Ramanagara district, is part of this strategy. Industry and Infrastructure Minister MB Patil has indicated that the second airport project would require between 4,500 and 5,000 acres of land to accommodate the necessary facilities. According to Patil, with KIA reaching its passenger and cargo capacity within the next decade, it is essential for the government to begin planning for a second airport now.

Bengaluru International Airport, which is operated by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), has been one of the busiest airports in India, ranking third after Delhi and Mumbai. The airport’s growth is expected to continue, with a record 40.73 million passengers and 496,227 metric tonnes of cargo handled in 2024. However, by 2035, it will likely be operating at full capacity, necessitating the construction of an additional airport to accommodate the growing air traffic demand. The government is under pressure to make decisions swiftly, as land acquisition and compensation processes can be lengthy. However, authorities are optimistic that with the right strategic planning, Bengaluru will be able to expand its aviation infrastructure to meet future demand. As plans for the second airport gain traction, Bengaluru residents, especially those in the Kanakapura region, are waiting to see how the proposed project will unfold. With the promise of improved infrastructure and increased land value, there is a growing sense of anticipation around the development. The government’s next steps will be crucial in ensuring that the second airport becomes a reality, positioning Bengaluru as a global aviation hub in the years to come.

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