Bengaluru Second Airport Location: Nelamangala-Kunigal Site Close To Approval

The state government is nearing the final stages of selecting a site for Bengaluru's second international airport, with the location likely to be near Nelamangala. After thorough evaluation, the area between Nelamangala and Kunigal, along National Highway 75, has been identified as the most suitable for the new airport, according to sources.

The push for a second airport comes in response to Bengaluru's growing passenger traffic, cargo needs, and future development. The government has examined multiple locations, including Harohalli on Kanakapura Road and Bidadi. However, the Nelamangala site was chosen based on the technical criteria set by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its strategic connectivity. The site, approximately 30 kilometers from the city, is well-connected by both national highways and railways and has a substantial amount of available government land.

Nelamangala's selection also benefits from strong road infrastructure, including the NICE Road and the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) and Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), which will ease access for passengers from southern Bengaluru. The decision is also seen as a solution to prevent disruptions on key roads like Mysore Road and Kanakapura Road.

Discussions on the second airport's development have intensified, with the 11th round of talks held last week. A meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar last month reviewed various locations, eventually favoring Nelamangala for its overall development potential. A final proposal will be sent to the AAI once a decision is made, and officials noted that the chosen location meets 15 key criteria for establishing a new airport. The restriction on constructing a new airport within 150 km of Kempegowda International Airport expires in 2035.

In other news, the 14th RAHSTA Expo, part of the India Construction Festival, will be held on October 9 and 10, 2024, at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai.