The Karnataka government is fast-tracking plans for a second international airport in Bengaluru. Intense discussions among state Congress leaders over the airport’s location continue. The government has finalised a proposal with three shortlisted sites and submitted it to the central airport authority. The new airport is expected to be situated in southern Bengaluru. The airport authority is anticipated to conclude its site selection within 15 days.

This decision comes amid significant competition among Congress leaders regarding the location. Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara has advocated for Tumakuru, while several legislators, including T B Jayachandra, have pressed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for Shiradi. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and other ministers have backed Bidadi or Harohalli as possible sites.

The state government has now forwarded a proposal containing these three finalised locations to the central government. Minister M B Patil noted that the airport authority is expected to make a swift decision on the Bengaluru site.

Minister Patil will meet Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in Delhi on 21 and 22 July to further discuss the project. He stated that developments at Noida and Navi Mumbai airports would be considered before finalising the site. The decision on the location is eagerly awaited.

There is considerable interest in which site will ultimately be chosen for Bengaluru’s second international airport. Discussions with the Union Aviation Minister will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Minister Patil emphasised that learning from the new airports at Noida and Navi Mumbai would guide their decision-making.

The state’s proposal aims to ensure an efficient and timely selection process for the new airport site. The anticipation around the final choice highlights the importance of this project to Bengaluru’s infrastructure and connectivity development.