The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is currently inspecting the three shortlisted sites for the second airport in Bangalore. However, a campaign promoting Sira in Tumakuru as a suitable option for the airport has been launched led by Congress MLA TB Jayachandran and joined by Union Minister of State V Somanna. According to a PTI report, a petition signed by 34 legislators has been sent to Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu. MLA Jayachandran said that “this proposed second airport is expected to be operational by 2032 and there’s ample time for changes in location during the planning phase”.
Highlighting nearby infrastructure such as a helicopter division in Gubbi and defence and science research facilities in Challakere, he added that an airport at Sira would offer better connectivity to other domestic airports in the state including Hubballi, Belagavi, Bidar, Kalaburagi and Shivamogga.
MoS Somanna endorsed the site choice and highlighted some advantages of building the airport in Sira, including the 3400-400 acres of land, which has connectivity via national highways and is close to the HAL facilities. “Jayachandra, a senior politician, has proposed this site, and I support it. We will build pressure; many leaders from our party also favour it. Ultimately, both the central and state governments will decide after weighing all factors,” he told PTI.
The three sites that are currently under inspection from the AAI are two sites on Kanakapuara Road near Harohalli and Kunigal Road in Nelamangala.