Vijayapura Airport Nears Completion as Minister Patil Urges Swift Resolution
RAICHUR: Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil has instructed officials to resolve technical hurdles delaying the progress of Raichur Greenfield Airport. The directive came during a review meeting on Friday, where the Minister assessed the status of various airport and airstrip projects across the state.
Highlighting the importance of the Raichur Airport project, which entails an investment of Rs 219 crore and covers 322 acres, Patil emphasized that the work must proceed without further delays. He urged officials to coordinate with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to clear the technical obstacles, even suggesting a visit to Delhi if necessary.
Patil confirmed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Raichur airport is already in place and stressed the urgency of securing the necessary environmental clearances without further delay.
The meeting was attended by Raichur in-charge Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju, Raichur MP Kumar Naik, and Raichur Deputy Commissioner Nitish K.
Additionally, Patil reviewed the Vijayapura airport project, which is nearing completion. He instructed officials to expedite the procurement of essential firefighting vehicles and to finalize the land acquisition for access roads to the airport.
As the district in-charge Minister of Vijayapura, Patil stressed the need for swift action to ensure timely completion.
The suspension of services at Bidar Airport due to the halt of the UDAN scheme was also discussed. Patil directed officials to explore alternative options with other service providers and examine the possibility of resuming operations under the UDAN scheme.
Patil mentioned the requirement of an additional 97 acres for the development of the Karwar civil enclave, noting that Rs 27.34 crore has already been allocated for this project. He also called for faster progress at Hassan Airport.
In a bid to boost tourism, the government has announced plans to construct airstrips in Dharmasthala, Hampi, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu. The Minister directed that 140 acres of land be secured in both Kodagu and Dharmasthala, in consultation with the respective MLAs and district administrations.
For Chikkamagaluru, Patil noted that 120 acres have been identified, but an additional 17.5 acres are required. He directed officials to locate the remaining land and said Pawan Hans, a helicopter service company, has been asked to prepare the DPR for the project.
