Hosur Airport: Both Sites Cleared; Which Among The Two Locations Will TN Govt Pick? Decision In a Month

An Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey commissioned by the Tamil Nadu government to evaluate airspace in the Krishnagiri region, which is under the control of the Ministry of Defence, has reportedly concluded that both shortlisted sites are feasible for the proposed exclusive Hosur airport, Deccan Herald reported.

Hosur Airport Update: Both Selected Sites Fit for Greenfield Project

The survey report offers an in-depth analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of the two potential sites: villages near the private airport owned by Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (TAAL) in Belagondapalli, and a location north of Shoolagiri near Hosur.

Several rounds of meetings will be held in the coming weeks before submitting the report to Chief Minister M K Stalin for a final decision, people familiar with the development told the English daily. The government is expected to finalise the site within a month.

The OLS survey, having assessed the airspace of both locations within the Defence-controlled region, indicates positive findings. "Prima facie, the report indicates that both sites are suitable. The government will thoroughly review the study before deciding on the location," the source said. The source further noted, "There are slight variations, and both locations have their pros and cons. The final decision on the location will be left to the government, which will zero in on the best site for the airport."

Another official pointed out that both sites are situated near the upcoming Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) section in Tamil Nadu, which is being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The road network is expected to improve Hosur's connectivity with Bengaluru and neighbouring towns.

TN Govt to Decide Hosur Airport Site in a Month

Once the site is chosen, the Krishnagiri district administration will initiate the land acquisition process. Both potential sites have already been cleared by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as suitable for a greenfield airport project.

The OLS survey mapped a radius of up to 20 km from the proposed runway's reference point, using advanced technology to identify the height and position of obstacles. Given that both sites are close to sensitive Defence-controlled airspace - with Bengaluru hosting Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) - this was a key assessment factor.

As previously reported by DH on May 7, the Tamil Nadu government has sought the Defence Ministry's approval for the relaxation of airspace restrictions in Hosur to facilitate commercial flight operations.

Simultaneously, the state government is in discussions with TAAL to explore converting its existing facility into Hosur airport through a joint venture model. Notably, one of the shortlisted sites is directly adjacent to the TAAL airport, as per the report.

However, a significant hurdle persists: the agreement between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which prohibits the establishment of another airport within a 150-kilometre aerial radius until 2033.

The DMK government plans to develop the airport on 2,000 acres, with a projected capacity to handle up to 3 crore passengers annually. As Hosur evolves from an automotive hub to a centre for advanced manufacturing, electronics, and electric vehicles, the greenfield airport is expected to boost Tamil Nadu's industrial presence and facilitate the creation of a twin-city ecosystem with Bengaluru.