Centre Yet to Receive Proposal for Bengaluru Second Airport, Lok Sabha Told

The Union Government informed Parliament on July 23 that it has yet to receive a formal proposal from the Karnataka Government for a second international airport in Bengaluru, despite pre-feasibility studies being completed for shortlisted sites along Kanakapura Road and the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road.

Replying to an unstarred question raised by Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) completed pre-feasibility studies for three potential locations at the State Government’s request and submitted its report. However, neither the State Government nor any airport developer has since submitted a formal proposal under the Greenfield Airports Policy.

The clarification comes as Karnataka initiated a detailed technical and economic feasibility study for the shortlisted locations, awarding a ₹4.95-crore contract to a Singapore-based consultancy. The consultant is expected to submit its final report within three months to help identify the most suitable site for land acquisition and statutory approvals.

The three proposed locations include Choodahalli and Somanahalli on Kanakapura Road, and another site near Nelamangala-Kunigal Road. However, preliminary survey activities have encountered resistance from local landowners. In villages near Solur along the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road, farmers opposed drone surveys, land marking, and videography by officials, forcing survey teams to withdraw. Around 4,695 acres near Kodihalli Cross and adjoining villages have been surveyed so far, raising fears of land acquisition among residents.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has directed officials to finalise one location based on technical feasibility, economic viability, and minimal displacement of residents. The study is evaluating factors including passenger demand, cargo potential, terrain, environmental impact, and airspace constraints.

Each shortlisted site presents distinct challenges. The Choodahalli and Somanahalli sites lie close to Bannerghatta National Park, raising environmental concerns, while the Nelamangala site faces hilly terrain and potential airspace constraints due to its proximity to KempeGowda International Airport in Devanahalli, HAL Airport, and Yelahanka Air Force Station.

Meanwhile, KempeGowda International Airport currently maintains an annual handling capacity of 51.5 million passengers. The completion of Terminal 2 Phase 2 is expected to expand its capacity to 80 million passengers annually by 2030.