Tumakuru Pushes for Bengaluru Second Airport

As Bengaluru’s infrastructure strains under mounting pressure, the search for a site for its second airport has become a matter of significant political and developmental debate.

While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) continues to assess the feasibility of three shortlisted locations in the region, a compelling argument is being made for Sira, a town located 120 km away from the city in Tumakuru district. The growing consensus among state legislators, political leaders, and local authorities is clear: Sira presents numerous advantages that could make it the perfect choice for Bengaluru’s much-needed second airport. Senior Congress leader T B Jayachandra, MLA from Sira, is at the forefront of this campaign, advocating for the Bukkapatna site near Sira. His efforts have been bolstered by a petition signed by 34 lawmakers across party lines, calling on the Chief Minister and the Union Civil Aviation Minister to reconsider the three locations shortlisted by the state government and add Sira to the evaluation process. The petition has already been submitted to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, V Somanna, who has voiced his support for the Sira location, emphasising its strategic advantages.

The three sites currently under consideration include two on Kanakapura Road near Harohalli and another on Kunigal Road in Nelamangala. However, the Sira proposal argues that these sites lack the extensive land and infrastructure capabilities of the Bukkapatna site, a 3,500 to 4,000-acre plot of flat, obstacle-free land. Sira, according to Jayachandra and Somanna, offers the additional benefits of excellent connectivity via four national highways, proximity to the city (about an hour’s drive), and the presence of nearby facilities like the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plant. “An airport in Sira would not only alleviate the growing traffic burden in Bengaluru but also create significant economic opportunities for the surrounding regions, particularly in central and north Karnataka,” Jayachandra said. He highlighted the area’s strategic location for promoting regional trade, especially agricultural exports like fruits and vegetables, and bolstering the state’s air cargo capacity. Moreover, the proximity of Sira to critical defence and scientific research infrastructure in areas like Gubbi and Challakere further strengthens the argument for this site. These factors, alongside the flat terrain and abundant water availability, position Sira as an optimal choice for sustainable, long-term airport development.

In the context of an increasingly eco-conscious world, the choice of Sira could also align with Bengaluru’s push towards creating a zero-net-carbon, eco-friendly transportation hub. The site’s vast land availability allows for the implementation of green technologies and sustainable practices in its construction and operation. With proper planning, Sira can evolve into a model of a sustainable and equitable transportation hub, serving the region without further exacerbating Bengaluru’s already strained urban infrastructure. In terms of connectivity, a well-planned second airport in Sira would open up better flight options to smaller domestic airports in Karnataka, such as Hubballi, Belagavi, Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga. This increased connectivity could provide much-needed relief to passengers currently facing overcrowded flights and airports in Bengaluru. While the AAI’s inspection of the three shortlisted sites continues, political leaders like Somanna and Jayachandra are keen to ensure that Sira is given equal consideration. Both argue that the decision must account for not only present logistics but also future needs, particularly as Bengaluru’s population and economic activity continue to grow.

However, the proposal has its share of challenges. The location’s distance from the city centre, though advantageous for avoiding congestion, could raise concerns regarding accessibility for commuters. Transport links would need to be strengthened, and a sustainable, green infrastructure plan must be a priority to ensure that the airport does not contribute to environmental degradation or urban sprawl. Ultimately, the decision regarding the second airport will rest with both the state and central governments, who must balance the competing interests of urban growth, environmental sustainability, and regional development. Sira’s case, however, continues to gain traction, with many viewing it as the most viable long-term solution to Bengaluru’s airport needs. The final decision, expected by 2032, will have a lasting impact on the region’s connectivity, economic growth, and environmental landscape. As the debate intensifies, all eyes will remain on Tumakuru’s Sira, hoping that the proposed second airport will help shape a more sustainable future for Bengaluru and beyond.

Tumakuru Pushes for Bengaluru Second Airport