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To address the growing needs of Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is taking significant steps towards establishing a second airport in the city. On June 20, State Infrastructure Development Department (IDD) Minister MB Patil chaired a meeting to discuss this crucial project. The meeting, held at Vidhana Soudha, included IDD Secretary N Manjula, Karnataka Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation Managing Director BC Satish, and other key officials.
Minister MB Patil stressed the importance of planning for Bengaluru's future growth. He directed officials to submit a feasibility report for the new airport. "I held a preliminary discussion with officials regarding the construction of a second airport to address the future needs of our rapidly growing global metropolis," Patil shared on X (formerly Twitter). This move is in response to Kempegowda International Airport's (KIA) increasing traffic. Last year, KIA handled 37.5 million passengers and over 400,000 tonnes of cargo, making it the third busiest airport in India after Delhi and Mumbai.
Rationale for a Second Airport
Patil highlighted the necessity of a second airport to support the industrial ecosystem beyond Bengaluru. The contract for Devanahalli airport includes a clause that no other airport could be built within a 150-kilometer radius until 2033. With nine years left on this agreement, preparations for a new airport must start now. Projections indicate that KIA will reach its peak passenger handling capacity by 2033 and its maximum cargo handling capacity by 2040, making the need for an additional airport urgent.
Potential Locations and Developments
Tumakuru Road is a strong candidate for the new airport's location. The 2024-25 Karnataka state budget has announced a feasibility report for extending the Metro rail from the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) to Tumakuru on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis. While the 3-km Nagasandra-BIEC (Green Line) Metro section is expected to become operational soon, extending the line to Tumakuru (around 50 km) is anticipated to boost real estate in the northwest of Bengaluru and support the future airport.
Enhancements at Kempegowda International Airport
Kempegowda International Airport's T1 and T2 terminals have a combined capacity of 52 million passengers per annum (MPPA). Once T1's refurbishment is complete, this capacity will increase to 60 MPPA. Phase 2 of T2 will add capacity for another 20 million passengers, with 40 percent of the area on the airport's south side developed, catering to 45 million passengers. A spokesperson for Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, mentioned that the upcoming T3 (third terminal) is expected to be operational in the late 2020s or early 2030s, boosting the airport's capacity to an impressive 90-100 million passengers annually.
Addressing Current Challenges
The state government had previously declined a proposal for a third runway at KIA due to land shortages. Additionally, HAL Airport in the city center was closed in 2008 when KIA began operations in Devanahalli. Currently, HAL Airport is used exclusively for military, chartered, and VIP flights.
Experts have suggested that extending the suburban rail from Chikkabanavara to Tumakuru could be a more feasible option to improve connectivity to the proposed new airport.
The Karnataka government's initiative to establish a second airport in Bengaluru is a strategic move to cater to the city's rapid growth and industrial needs. With comprehensive planning and careful location selection, the new airport will play a crucial role in positioning Bengaluru as a major global hub. This development marks a significant step towards addressing future transportation demands and supporting the region's economic expansion.
