Bengaluru's second international airport site selection nears conclusion, Nelamangala-Kunigal area in talks: Report

The area between Nelamangala and Kunigal, about 30 kilometres from the city, was chosen for its strong connectivity and infrastructure.

Published on: Sep 21, 2024, 11:30:18 IST

By Yamini C S

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The Karnataka government is on the brink of finalizing a location for Bengaluru’s second international airport, with Nelamangala emerging as the frontrunner. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the area situated between Nelamangala and Kunigal, adjacent to National Highway 75, has been deemed the most viable option, a One India report stated.

Bengaluru's second international airport is set to be located near Nelamangala, following thorough evaluations and discussions by state officials. (Representative image) (Pic for Representation)

The decision to pursue a second airport stems from Bengaluru’s escalating demand for passenger and cargo services, alongside anticipated urban expansion. Various potential sites were assessed, including Harohalli along Kanakapura Road and Bidadi, but Nelamangala was ultimately selected based on criteria established by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its advantageous connectivity, the report said.

READ | Seven locations proposed for second airport in Bengaluru, says Minister MB Patil

Located roughly 30 kilometres from the city centre, the Nelamangala site benefits from extensive transport links, including national highways and rail networks, as well as a significant amount of available government land. The region boasts a robust road infrastructure, notably with access to NICE Road, and plans for the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) and the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) which will facilitate smoother transit for travellers from southern Bengaluru, the publication noted.

READ | How the skydeck project might affect plans for a second airport in south Bengaluru: Report

Additionally, this location is expected to alleviate congestion on major thoroughfares such as Mysore Road and Kanakapura Road. Discussions surrounding the airport's development have ramped up, with the latest round of talks occurring last week. A meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar last month reviewed several proposed sites, ultimately highlighting Nelamangala's potential for future growth.

Once the site is confirmed, a formal proposal will be forwarded to the AAI. The selected location meets 15 critical criteria necessary for establishing a new airport, officials said. The restriction on building a new airport within 150 kilometres of Kempegowda International Airport will lift in 2035, further paving the way for this development, it added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yamini C S
Yamini CS is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with nearly six years of experience in digital journalism. She is part of the India News desk, where she works on a wide range of stories cutting across civic issues, city-based developments, politics, governance, public policy, breaking news, trending topics, and international affairs that have an impact on India. Her role involves tracking fast-moving developments, verifying information from official and on-ground sources, and presenting news in a clear, accessible format for a digital-first audience. A significant part of her work includes handling live blogs during major news events, such as elections, court verdicts, political developments, civic disruptions, protests, weather-related alerts, and unfolding national or international incidents. Through live coverage, she focuses on timely updates to help readers follow complex stories as they evolve. Before moving to the broader India News desk, Yamini was associated with the Bengaluru desk at Hindustan Times, where she extensively covered urban governance, infrastructure, traffic and transport issues, weather events, public grievances, and civic administration in the city. This experience strengthened her grounding in city reporting and sharpened her focus on citizen-centric journalism. She began her career as a correspondent with Reuters after completing a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media. Her early training instilled a strong emphasis on accuracy, sourcing, and news ethics, which continue to shape her reporting style. Outside of work, Yamini enjoys reading across genres, listening to music, and spending time with her family, which help her maintain balance in a fast-paced newsroom environment.Read More

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