Bengaluru: A proposal has been submitted by the State Government to the Central Government for the construction of a second airport for Bengaluru, said Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that “As per the proposal, the second airport is needed for Bengaluru by 2032.”
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said neighbouring States have been gearing up for additional airports in their States and the State is also ready with the proposal demanding another airport for Bengaluru.
On Thursday, Minister for Heavy Industries M.B. Patil held preliminary discussions with officials concerned regarding the construction of a second airport to address the future needs of the fast growing Bengaluru city.
Explaining the need for the second airport for Bengaluru, Patil the present Kempegowda International Airport at Devanahalli, about 30-km from Bengaluru city, is the third busiest airport in the country after Delhi and Mumbai. Kempegowda International Airport began its operations in May, 2008 and so far recorded 37.5 million passengers and over 4 lakh tonnes of cargo previous year.
“This immense pressure highlights the necessity for a second airport to accommodate future needs,” the Minister said and stated that “I have directed the officials concerned to submit a feasibility report for the new airport.” Patil on his social networking site stated “Bengaluru’s growth takes flight: New airport plans on the horizon.”
The meeting held at Vidhana Soudha Committee Room was attended by Development Department Secretary N. Manjula, Karnataka Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation Managing Director B.C. Satish, Executive Director D.P. Prakash and others.
