Bengaluru's second airport: Political tug-of-war intensifies

The process of establishing a second international airport for Bengaluru is gaining traction. Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recently inspected three proposed sites on the city’s outskirts, indicating that the project is moving forward.

The Karnataka state government has shortlisted three locations – two near Kanakapura Road (Harohalli with 4,800 acres and another with 5,000 acres), one near Nelamangala-Kunigal Road (Soluru with 5,200 acres).

Also read: Bengaluru's 2nd airport: Momentum builds in favour of Sira as probable site

Following site inspections, AAI is expected to submit a final feasibility report soon.

Why Bengaluru needs a second airport

The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in North Bengaluru is witnessing heavy passenger traffic, with growing dependence from South Bengaluru residents. Experts suggest a second airport in the southern part would benefit not only those in South Bengaluru but also passengers from the Old Mysore region. With better transit infrastructure, it could also serve residents of West Bengaluru efficiently.

According to data on KIA's website, Bengaluru airport welcomed 40.73 million passengers in 2024, compared to 37.2 million in 2023.

Despite the addition of Terminal-2 for international flights, the increased load has necessitated a second airport.

Tamil Nadu’s Hosur airport plan

The Tamil Nadu government’s plan to set up an international airport in Hosur has raised concerns in Karnataka. With expressways enabling quick travel from Whitefield and Electronic City to Chennai, professionals may begin favouring Hosur. This has pushed Karnataka to expedite its own second airport plans.

Why Kanakapura Road?

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has strongly lobbied for Kanakapura Road, specifically near Harohalli in Ramanagara district, pushing two locations through the selection process. Previously, Bidadi was considered, but ongoing township developments shifted focus.

Why Nelamangala-Kunigal Road?

This area connects to major highways (Pune and Hassan roads) and offers over 5,000 acres of government land near Motaganahalli. However, local farmers have begun protesting, raising land acquisition concerns.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara has advocated for an airport in Tumakuru to serve central and northern Karnataka and the Malnad region. But only one location near Sompura on the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road has been officially shortlisted.

Political tug-of-war intensifies

The airport site selection has triggered a political showdown between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp and Shivakumar’s faction. Over 30 MLAs, including those from North Karnataka and Bayaluseeme, have written to the Chief Minister urging the airport to be set up in Sira, Tumakuru, instead of Kanakapura or Nelamangala.

This has added another layer of political tension to the already complex project.

Key challenges in building the new airport

Infrastructure gaps: Peripheral areas of Bengaluru still lack adequate infrastructure, which is crucial for airport connectivity.

Land acquisition: Around 5,000 acres are needed for runways, passenger terminals, and buffer zones.

Farmer opposition: Strong protests by farmers near all three shortlisted sites need to be addressed.

Resettlement: If the Harohalli site is chosen, 12 villages will need to be relocated.

When will the airport be built?

Despite progressing plans, construction cannot begin until after 2034 due to a prior agreement made during the KIA's development, which bars any new airports within a 200 km radius until then.

By 2034, after all surveys, technical clearances, and land acquisition processes are completed, construction can begin. The government envisions a facility capable of handling 100 million passengers annually.

Expanding Hubballi and Belagavi airports

Industry Minister M B Patil has directed officials to request the Central government to upgrade Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international standards. He emphasised that both have sufficient passenger traffic, and international status would save travellers from these regions the need to go to Goa for international flights.

The push for a second international airport in Bengaluru is not only about addressing growing air traffic but also about strategic politics, regional representation, and future-proofing the state's infrastructure. While the project has strong momentum, it faces significant logistical, financial, and political hurdles before it can take off.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)