Karnataka Minister M B Patil emphasized the necessity for a second international airport near Bengaluru, capable of accommodating at least 100 million passengers annually. He stated that the project would necessitate between 4,500 to 5,000 acres of land to cater to the rapid growth of the city.
Speaking on Wednesday, Patil, who oversees the Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development portfolio, highlighted Bengaluru’s status as a major technology and innovation hub. He pointed out that Kempegowda International Airport, currently the third busiest in India after Delhi and Mumbai, handles 52 million passengers and 0.71 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Anticipated Future Challenges
Anticipating that these figures could rise to 110 million passengers and 1.10 million tonnes of cargo by 2035, Patil stressed the urgency of developing a second international airport to meet future demands. He underscored the need for suitable land spanning 4,500 to 5,000 acres, free from geographical constraints such as hills, rivers, or high-rise buildings.
Regarding potential locations, the minister emphasized the importance of excellent connectivity via state and national highways, as well as rail and metro networks. He also acknowledged Bangalore International Airport Limited’s (BIAL) directive prohibiting the construction of another international airport within a 150 km radius until 2033.
Patil indicated that discussions with technical experts will precede the proposal’s submission to the chief minister and state cabinet. He expressed confidence in moving the project forward within the next three months to ensure Bengaluru’s continued development as a global center for commerce and technology.