Namma Metro Hosur Proposed Amid New International Airport Plans

While the Karnataka government is searching for a location to build a second international airport, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to construct an international airport in Hosur, close to Bengaluru.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has revealed that an international airport will be built on 2,000 acres in Hosur to cater to international travelers from Bengaluru. Addressing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Stalin stated that this new airport would have a capacity of 3 crore passengers per year.

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), currently located 73 km from Hosur, is situated in the outskirts of Bengaluru. Hosur, being closer to the southern areas of Bangalore, will offer a more convenient option for residents in these regions, including the Electronic City, which is a significant part of the city. This proximity will reduce travel time, prompting people from the southern and eastern areas of Bangalore to prefer the Hosur airport for both domestic and international travel.

The establishment of the international airport in Hosur is expected to decrease the number of passengers at Kempegowda International Airport over time. Additionally, there is a concern that revenue from cargo services at KIA may also decline.

However Stalin said that the new international airport in Hosur will stimulate economic growth in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by enhancing connectivity with Bengaluru, fostering a twin-city ecosystem.

Hosur, known as an industrial hub, has seen increased investments in recent years. The city is strategically located near major business hubs and industrial clusters, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Sriperumbudur, and Coimbatore. It has also emerged as a center for automobile and EV manufacturing, logistics, and electronics. With an international airport, Hosur, along with Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, is poised for further development.

Currently, Thali airport (near Hosur), constructed under the Udan project, has not commenced commercial operations.

Metro Connectivity to Hosur

The 'Namma Metro' train service is set to begin by the end of this year on the line from RV Road to Bommasandra, which is only 19.7 km from Hosur. The Tamil Nadu government is advocating for the extension of this metro service to Hosur. If this extension happens, it will greatly enhance convenience for those traveling to the airport.

Regulatory Hurdles

According to an agreement between the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bangalore International Airport Authority, no new or existing domestic airports can be opened within an air distance of 150 km for 25 years. Since Kempegowda International Airport became operational on May 24, 2008, this agreement will remain in effect until 2033. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government will have to wait nine years to commence operations at the new international airport in Hosur.