Hosur Airport Plans On Track, Tamil Nadu Government Assures Industry Leaders

The Tamil Nadu government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an airport in Hosur near Karnataka capital Bengaluru, as announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in June 2024.

What TRB Raaja Says On Hosur Airport?

Industries Minister T.R.B. Raaja assured industry associations that the city is poised for significant growth over the next five years, driven by investments in sectors like electronics and electric vehicles, Deccan Herald reported.

The government has expedited the process of selecting a location for the airport, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) currently evaluating two shortlisted sites near Belagondapalli village on Thalli Road.

"He was categorical that the government will build an airport in Hosur and that a final decision on the location will be made once the Airports Authority of India submits a final report on the feasibility of building the airport in two shortlisted locations," the English daily quoted an entrepreneur, who attended the meeting, as saying.

Last month, industry bodies, including the Hosur Industries Association (HIA) and Hosur Small and Tiny Industries Association (HOSTIA), have urged the government to fast-track the project, emphasizing the need for a greenfield airport to support the region's industrial growth. They have recommended locations near the privately owned Taneja Aerospace and Aviation (TAAL) airport as ideal for the new facility.

Plans In Progress

Despite Karnataka's plans to develop a second airport for Bengaluru, industry representatives like L.K.M. Adhi of HIA argue that Tamil Nadu should proceed with its plans, given the substantial freight traffic and long lead time required for such projects. The AAI's feasibility report is expected to guide the final decision on the airport's location.

"With Karnataka starting preliminary work on a second airport for Bengaluru, the Tamil Nadu government should stand its course and finalise a location soon. We need an airport and there is no doubt about it. One should also look at the freight traffic which is substantial in Hosur," the English daily quoted Adhi as saying.