Karnataka has officially set the wheels in motion for Bengaluru’s second airport. The Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KSIIDC) has floated a tender to appoint a consultant to conduct a detailed strategic and technical feasibility study of three shortlisted sites on the city outskirts. This study will play a crucial role in selecting the most suitable location for a greenfield airport to meet Bengaluru’s rapidly growing air traffic demand.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had earlier conducted a preliminary assessment and identified three potential sites for the project. The shortlisted locations include Chudahalli and Somanahalli along Kanakapura Road, and a site near Nelamangala on Tumakuru Road. Each site spans roughly 4,500 acres, with the state keeping open the possibility of evaluating an additional site if necessary.
Political differences have emerged over the preferred location. Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar is advocating for Kanakapura Road, while Home Minister G Parameshwara prefers the Tumakuru Road site. Interestingly, the two Kanakapura Road sites share overlapping land areas, and the feasibility study will assess them both individually and as a combined option to determine their potential.
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The feasibility study will be multi-dimensional, covering technical, operational, environmental, and economic aspects. Key evaluations will include topography, soil, hydrology, meteorology, obstacle limitation surfaces, and availability of utilities like power, water, and sewerage infrastructure. Environmental assessments and proximity to wildlife or national parks will also be analyzed to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability.
Traffic projections and connectivity will be central to the consultant’s assessment. Passenger and cargo traffic will be forecasted for the next 35 years, with analysis of road, rail, and air connectivity. Catchment areas, economic viability, and high-level cost estimates for construction, operation, and maintenance will further inform the final recommendation.
Finally, the consultant will map out all statutory approvals required for a greenfield airport, including clearances from the DGCA, ICAO, Ministry of Defence, and local authorities. Based on comprehensive assessments of land availability, airspace management, surface connectivity, and strategic potential, the study will provide a robust framework to select Bengaluru’s next major aviation hub.
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