Bengaluru’s Second Airport Location Nears Finalisation: Tumkuru, Kunigal Or Elsewhere? Clarity This Week

Amid speculations over the location of Bengaluru's second international airport, Karnataka Minister MB Patil clarified that the decision is yet to be finalised. Speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday, Patil revealed that clarity on the matter is expected within a week as surveys are being conducted to identify the most strategic location.

Patil said, "The Infrastructure Development Corporation Karnataka Ltd (IDeCK) is currently surveying multiple proposed sites to identify the most suitable location. Once the survey is completed, the report will be submitted to the Airport Authority of India (AAI), which holds the authority to finalise the site for the second airport in Bengaluru."

He further emphasized that multiple factors, including connectivity, proximity, and surrounding infrastructure, will be considered. "Given the airport's importance to lakhs of passengers, a strategic decision will be made. Some clarity is likely within a week," he added.

Reports suggest that the government is considering Kunigal, a town along National Highway 75, particularly the area between Dabaspet and Kunigal, as a potential site after thorough reviews.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated that Tumkuru and its surrounding areas, including Kunigal, are under consideration. "The proposed plan involves positioning the new airport near Dabaspet, situated close to Tumkuru-an area that is swiftly evolving into Asia's largest industrial hub, with over 20,000 acres currently under development. This region boasts significant developments, including HAL's helicopter factory and a Japanese township. Selecting this location would offer numerous advantages," Parameshwara said.

Other locations like Ramanagara, Bidadi, and Harohalli are also in contention for hosting Bengaluru's second airport.