Bengaluru's Second Airport Plans Hit a Roadblock: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Expresses Disappointment
Image Source: Internet
Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has expressed disappointment over the Centre's decision to reject the proposed airport project at Hosur, a crucial step for residents of south Bengaluru and industry leaders seeking to ease pressure on Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The Ministry of Defence reportedly refused clearance for the Hosur site due to reserved airspace for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) operations. Mazumdar-Shaw took to social media, stating, 'That's a big disappointment to south Bangalore residents. Hope this gets compensated by the proposed Kanakapura site.' Residents of south Bengaluru, who saw Hosur as a convenient location due to its proximity to industrial hubs and the city's southern corridors, are now putting pressure on the government to expedite the decision on Bengaluru's second airport. Several industry leaders and local residents had expressed concerns that a Tamil Nadu-based airport at Hosur might attract Karnataka-based industries across the border. In light of the Centre's decision, the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KSIIDC) has issued a tender to engage a consultant for a comprehensive feasibility assessment of three shortlisted sites for Bengaluru's proposed second airport. The options include two locations off Kanakapura Road and another site near Nelamangala along the Tumakuru Road stretch. According to an existing agreement between Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, no new airport is permitted to begin operations within a 150-km radius of KIA until 2033, when the airport completes 25 years. With Hosur off the table, residents are hoping for a definitive timeline for the second airport project to ensure it's not delayed further.
