Bengaluru to Get a Second Airport: Centre Responds Positively to H.D. Deve Gowda’s Request
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirms Centre’s support, pending Karnataka government’s proposal on location.
BNH NETWORK
New Delhi - Bengaluru, a rapidly growing global hub for Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology (BT), is poised to get a second airport, with the Centre offering a positive response to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s request. Recognizing the city's need for improved connectivity to accommodate its growing passenger traffic, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured that the project will move forward once the Karnataka government finalizes a location and submits its proposal for approval.
Bengaluru’s Growing Need for a Second Airport
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha today, H.D. Deve Gowda highlighted the urgent need for a second airport in Bengaluru, stressing that the current Kempegowda International Airport is struggling to manage the city’s rapidly increasing passenger volume.
“Bengaluru is expanding at an unprecedented rate. The state government has already proposed the construction of another airport, and I strongly urge the Centre to prioritize this essential project for the city’s future,” said Gowda, reflecting on his tenure when he approved the original airport.
He further emphasized that the existing airport, despite its importance, is now overwhelmed by the growing demand for air travel, making an additional airport critical for maintaining seamless connectivity to the world.
Civil Aviation Minister Affirms Support
In response to Deve Gowda’s remarks, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu echoed the need for a second airport, acknowledging the congestion at Kempegowda International Airport.
"Indeed, Bengaluru's airport is facing significant passenger congestion. The Karnataka government has made it clear that they intend to build a new airport, and we are prepared to grant approval once they finalize the location and submit the formal proposal," Naidu affirmed.
This reassurance signals that the Centre is ready to support the expansion of Bengaluru’s aviation infrastructure, pending the state government's finalization of the proposal.
As Bengaluru continues to grow, this second airport is expected to play a crucial role in easing travel congestion and enhancing the city's connectivity, benefiting both residents and the thriving business sectors of IT and BT.
