K'taka Government Eyes New Airport, But Seeks Flexibility on 'No-Other-Airport' Rule
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{ "title": "K'taka Government Eyes New Airport, But Seeks Flexibility on 'No-Other-Airport' Rule", "article": "In a bid to address growing air travel demands in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is moving forward with plans for a second international airport. However, the state is seeking flexibility on a concession agreement that currently bars another airport in the region. Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil clarified that the state is not seeking immediate clearance for the new airport, despite calls from Parliament to expedite the process. Patil noted that the government has until 2033 to build the new airport, as per the concession agreement with the existing Kempegowda International Airport. The concession agreement, which was signed when the existing airport was first opened, restricts the construction of another airport within a 150 km radius until 2033. Patil pointed out that similar conditions have been relaxed in other cities, such as New Delhi and Navi Mumbai, where second airports have been built. The government has initiated the preliminary work for the new airport, including site selection, technical feasibility studies, and land acquisition. A high-level team from the Airports Authority of India has already inspected potential sites, and the tender process is underway. While the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that no proposal has been received from the Karnataka government or any developer, Patil emphasized that the state is actively working on the project. The government is expected to receive site suitability and technical feasibility reports within the next five months, which will be crucial in determining the project's progress. The Karnataka government's push for a second international airport comes in response to growing air travel demands in Bengaluru, driven by industrial and tourism growth. The government is confident that a new airport will help alleviate congestion at the existing airport and meet the growing needs of the region."
