Bengaluru Deputy CM Meets Civil Aviation Minister Over Airport Building Limits

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday raised concerns over building height restrictions around Bengaluru’s airports, saying they are hampering the city’s development. Speaking after a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Shivakumar called for a review of regulations affecting areas near HAL Airport, Jakkur Aerodrome, the Indian Air Force base in Yelahanka, and Kempegowda International Airport.

Shivakumar noted that Bengaluru’s current height limits are stricter than those in other major cities such as Hyderabad and Mumbai, preventing developers and citizens from fully utilizing premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR). “Because of these restrictions, citizens are reluctant to opt for premium FAR, resulting in revenue losses for the government,” he said, adding that the central government itself advises increasing FAR in urban development projects.

Officials, including Karnataka Special Representative in Delhi N.S. Boseraju and former minister T.B. Jayachandra, participated in the discussion. Shivakumar emphasized that Bengaluru’s rapid growth, increasing traffic congestion, and expanding residential layouts make it necessary to reconsider height limits near airports, which currently restrict tall building construction within surrounding zones.

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He highlighted the challenges faced in constructing a Skydeck project, which had to be relocated to Kempegowda Layout after initial sites within 20 km of airports were ruled out. Efforts to build near Sompura Circle along NICE Road were also stalled due to lack of cooperation from local authorities. “Those who do not cooperate with the government will receive an appropriate response,” Shivakumar said, underlining the administration’s focus on facilitating urban projects.

The Deputy CM stated that the Civil Aviation Ministry is reviewing international guidelines and comparing rules followed in other Indian cities. A follow-up meeting is expected within a week, with Karnataka officials participating to discuss potential solutions. Shivakumar also pointed out that height restrictions could complicate construction for landowners affected by the upcoming Bengaluru Business Corridor project.

Regarding the proposed second international airport, Shivakumar said the Centre has asked the state government to identify a suitable location. “We have two or three options, and our government will discuss the pros and cons before taking a decision,” he said, adding that the responsibility for developing the new airport will be handled by the state’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil.

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