Second Airport In Bengaluru? OneIndia Survey Reveals Overwhelming Support For It

Bengaluru, India, known as the Silicon Valley of the country, has witnessed an exponential growth in its air traffic in recent years, leading to significant congestion at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). In response to this surge, the CEO of KIA, Hari Marar, has pitched for the construction of a second airport to accommodate the ever-increasing number of flyers to and from the city.

Marar said that within the next decade, the annual number of passengers using Bengaluru's airport will soar to a staggering 92 million. This substantial growth in air travel demands the establishment of an additional airport, as the existing infrastructure will soon reach its maximum capacity.

Now, the question arises: Does Bengaluru truly need a second airport?

A recent survey conducted by OneIndia on its YouTube community attempted to gauge public sentiment regarding the necessity of a second airport in Bengaluru. The survey, with a sample size of approximately 1,000 participants, revealed some intriguing insights.

A resounding 69 per cent of the respondents answered 'Yes', asserting that Bengaluru does indeed require a second airport. Their reasons often revolved around the need for greater accessibility and convenience. Nitesh Reddy, a participant in the survey, shared, "HAL is ideal for short hauls. It takes an hour to reach KIAP. Road journey time to the Airport should not take more than that of the flight journey to the destination."

Another viewpoint put forth was the utilisation of Hosur Airport, a suggestion offered by one of the respondents. They argued, "They can use Hosur Airport. Don't be selfish."

Keshav Karna, a survey participant, added a compelling personal perspective to the discussion. He emphasized the need for a second airport, citing his experience living in Begur, approximately 65 kilometers away from the current airport. Karna explained, "It takes ample time to travel, crossing all the traffic and reach the airport. In this process, there is a waste of my time, fuel, and exhaustion." His observations reflect the daily challenges faced by commuters living at a distance from the airport. Karna highlighted the inefficiencies of a single airport serving a rapidly growing city, including the bottleneck effect created at toll gates due to the concentrated flow of traffic.

As the CEO of KIA highlights the need for a second airport to meet the burgeoning demand, public opinion also echoes the sentiment that a second airport in Bengaluru could be a pivotal solution to the mounting congestion and accessibility issues. With more travelers seeking convenience and efficiency, the call for a second airport in Bengaluru seems to be growing louder and clearer.