Bengaluru’s Second Airport: Tumakuru And Nelamangala Location On Priority List

Union Minister V. Somanna has put forward two significant proposals regarding the construction of Bengaluru's second airport, intended to serve as an alternative to the Kempegowda International Airport.

His first suggestion is to construct the second Bengaluru airport in Tumakuru district. Alternatively, he proposed that instead of building a new facility, the old HAL airport in Bengaluru should be developed and utilized.

Speaking to the reporters on Monday, Somanna said, "I have already discussed the matter of an international airport with the concerned authorities, though I will not disclose their names. The Tamil Nadu government has already announced plans to build an airport in Hosur. My top priority is to establish an airport between Tumakuru and Nelamangala."

He further added, "The state government must fully commit to constructing the second airport in Tumakuru. Tumakuru is one of the fastest-growing cities after Bengaluru. Whether it is built in Dabaspet or Nelamangala, we have no objections, but the location should not be elsewhere. I will write to the government on this matter within the next two days."

Cost-Efficient Development of HAL Airport

Somanna further highlighted that the existing HAL airport in Bengaluru already possesses the necessary technical infrastructure for flight operations. Developing this facility as an operational airport would be more cost-effective than constructing a second airport in Bengaluru.