Bengaluru Second Airport Location: 7 Sites Shortlisted, AAI Assessment Of Feasibility To Follow

Karnataka Minister for Infrastructure, M B Patil, announced on Monday that seven locations have been identified for the proposed second airport for Bengaluru. A meeting is scheduled with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday to discuss submitting an application to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Speaking to reporters, Patil mentioned that meetings were held with the Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited (IDeCK) and the global consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on Monday.

Initially, IDeCK identified nine potential sites, but two were deemed non-feasible and removed from the list.

Harohalli and Dobbaspet, two suburbs about 50-60 km away from Bengaluru, are among seven locations the government shortlisted on Monday for a second airport catering to the state capital.

The other potential sites identified include:

1. Tumakuru,
2. Koratagere,
3. Kunigal,
4. Huliyurdurga and
5. Malavalli

About 4,500 acres would be required for the proposed airport, reports said.

BCG representatives shared their experience with the Navi Mumbai airport project, and visual presentations from both IDeCK and BCG were reviewed during the meeting.

"We will submit the application to AAI, detailing all seven identified locations. AAI officials will then visit the sites to assess feasibility. The final decision will be based on factors such as passenger density, connectivity, industrial growth, cargo potential, and environmental considerations like the presence of rivers, hills, and biodiversity," Patil said in a statement.

He emphasized that the decision on the location of the second airport will not be influenced by political considerations but will be guided by approximately 15 parameters set by the AAI, as well as the overall development of Karnataka, including Bengaluru.

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru City Development Minister, D K Shivakumar, stated that M B Patil has already held several rounds of meetings with various stakeholders regarding the construction of the second airport for Bengaluru. The government aims to complete the second airport by 2033, he added.