MLAs tussle to land new airport project for Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The govt’s proposal to construct a second international airport for Bengaluru has triggered an intense tussle among Congress MLAs — albeit of another kind.
Legislators representing assembly seats around the city are lobbying for the new airport to be situated in their constituencies, setting the stage for a spirited debate within the governing party.
Infrastructure minister MB Patil recently held a highlevel meeting to initiate steps to develop a greenfield airport aimed at alleviating mounting traffic and cargo demands at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli.
The current concession agreement with Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operates KIA, restricts the launch of any new airport within a 150km radius until 2033. The state govt is keen on having the new airport operational shortly after this deadline.
The govt has hinted that it plans to build the new airport near Tumakuru, about 70km from Bengaluru. Surveys are ongoing at various potential sites, but this hasn’t prevented intense competition among MLAs regarding the optimal location.
Home minister G Parameshwara, who represents Koratagere assembly segment in Tumakuru, is advocating Sira in the district or anywhere between Pavagada and Chitradurga, proposing an allocation of 8,000 acres for the project. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is lobbying for Bidadi or Harohalli industrial area.
Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna has proposed Magadi, Solur, or Dabaspet, stressing potential economic benefits and regional development an airport could bring. “We must ensure the benefits of such a big infrastructure project are spread across the state while maintaining fea sibility,” said Balakrishna.
Acknowledging the different perspectives, minister Patil said the selection of the site would hinge on meticulous planning and criteria addressing logistical and strategic requirements.
Experts and urbanists have also weighed in, suggesting the govt reconsider reopening HAL airport for short-haul flights and proposing locations between Bengaluru and Mysuru, such as Bidadi for the new airport, citing strategic advantages and potential for interstate collaboration since Tamil Nadu plans to build an airport at Hosur on the border.
“Bidadi’s strategic location between Bengaluru and Mysuru makes it a suitable choice for the new airport, aligning with historical considerations and fostering interstate cooperation,” said noted urbanist Ashwin Mahesh.