Bengaluru, the tech hub of india, is gearing up for a second airport to ease the ever-growing air traffic at Kempegowda international Airport. With the Airports Authority of india (AAI) report expected soon, the government is actively reviewing potential sites. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Why Bengaluru Needs a Second Airport
· Rapid Passenger Growth: Bengaluru’s Kempegowda airport handles over 35 million passengers annually, with traffic expected to cross 60 million by 2030.
· Economic Growth: The IT and startup boom has increased domestic and international flights, straining the existing infrastructure.
· Long-Term Planning: A second airport will ensure redundancy during operational disruptions and support future expansion.
2. Kanakapura Site: Pros and Challenges
· Location: Approximately 40 km south of Bengaluru city center.
· Pros:
o Close to the proposed Satellite Town and industrial corridors.
o Availability of large contiguous land parcels suitable for runways and terminals.
· Challenges:
o Potential environmental concerns due to forest areas nearby.
o Requires robust connectivity upgrades via highways and expressways.
3. Nelamangala Site: Pros and Challenges
· Location: About 25 km northwest of Bengaluru, near the NH-48 corridor.
· Pros:
o Better road and rail connectivity with existing city infrastructure.
o Less environmental impact compared to Kanakapura.
· Challenges:
o Land acquisition could face hurdles from local villages and farmland owners.
o Limited space for future expansion unless additional land is procured.
4. Role of AAI Report
· The Airports Authority of india (AAI) is finalizing a detailed feasibility report.
· The report will cover:
o Land availability and topography
o Environmental impact assessments
o Connectivity and infrastructure readiness
· Once submitted, the report will guide government decision-making on the final site.
5. government Action and Timeline
· Industries and Infrastructure Development minister MB Prasad confirmed that both sites are under serious review.
· Next Steps:
o AAI report submission expected in the coming months.
o cabinet approval and land acquisition processes to follow.
· Estimated Completion: Depending on approvals, construction could start by 2027–28.
6. Expected Benefits
· Reduced Congestion: Kempegowda airport will see reduced passenger load, improving service quality.
· Boost to Economy: The second airport can catalyze industrial growth, tourism, and regional development.
· Enhanced Connectivity: Both domestic and international travel will become more efficient for karnataka and neighboring states.
Bottom Line:
Bengaluru’s second airport is no longer a distant dream. With Kanakapura and Nelamangala under review and the AAI report imminent, the city is poised to strengthen its status as India’s aviation and technology hub.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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