Bengaluru: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to submit its expert report on Bengaluru’s second international airport within the next two to three
days, said Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil on Thursday, according to media reports. In April, a team of AAI inspected two possible sites: one along Kanakapura Road in South Bengaluru and another near Nelamangala-Kunigal Road in Bengaluru Rural. To make the final decision on the location of Bengaluru’s second airport, the government will discuss it in the cabinet once it receives the experts’ report. Patil indicated that AAI may recommend both sites. Airport construction companies will also check whether the proposed locations are financially viable, reported The Times of India. However, the government will conduct all the checks to build the airport at the best possible location. Also Read: Bengaluru: Namma Metro Phase 3A, Once Costliest, Gets Budget Cut; Commuters Likely to See THIS Major Change He explained that the government has started preliminary work because a rule prevents building another international airport within 150 km of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) until 2033. Patil explained that beginning groundwork now will ensure the second airport is ready by that year. Projects of this scale usually take at least five to six years to complete, the report added. Also Read: Hyderabad-Bengaluru Bus Tragedy:400 Phones Onboard Alongside Passengers Intensified Deadly Fire – What Happened? Currently, only New Delhi (Noida) and Mumbai (Navi Mumbai) have two international airports. Karnataka will consult developers of those airports for guidance, while keeping an eye on Tamil Nadu’s plans to build an airport in Hosur, near the Karnataka border. Regarding locations, some legislators from North Karnataka have suggested Tumakuru, while others prefer sites in South Bengaluru. Patil said the government will consider passenger numbers, industrial needs, and other factors. The final decision will be based on merit, convenience, and future demand. “However, passenger density, industrial requirements, and several other factors will be taken into consideration. Ultimately, the decision will be made purely on merit, keeping in mind convenience and future demand,” said the minsiter.
