Second Bengaluru airport: When and where will it be set up; updates so far

There has been a demand for Sira as Karnataka’s next international airport, amidst interest in other potential sites such as Chudahalli and Somanahalli. Senior Congress leader TB Jayachandra has intensified his efforts for the development of a second international airport in Sira. 

His initiative has garnered support from Union Minister of State for Railways, V Somanna, who holds the position of Member of Parliament for Tumakuru.

“I concur with Jayachandra that establishing a second airport in Sira in Tumakuru district would be greatly advantageous. Thirty-four Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have presented me with a petition concerning the airport. Jayachandra has also submitted his, and I have relayed these to Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu,” Somanna stated during a press briefing in Tumakuru.

Sira's Strategic Location

The proposal for Sira has received significant backing from the state's special representative in New Delhi and over 30 MLAs, who have expressed their opposition to the government's preference for Kanakapura or Nelamangala. They have formally communicated to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, advocating for the merits of Sira. Noteworthy supporters include MLAs such as D Shantanagowda, BR Patil, and Nayana Motamma.

Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara has also favoured Sira, especially since the Airports Authority of India (AAI) previously declined a proposal for an international airport at Bidadi, culminating in the present airport at Devanahalli. He emphasises that a new airport near Sira would serve trade and industry well, considering its proximity to the industrial hub of Vasanth Narasapura along the Bengaluru-Pune NH-48.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Boost

Sira is located approximately 120 kilometers from Bengaluru and is well-connected by rail and the National Highway 48. It is seen as a gateway to Central and North Karnataka, with projected developments like a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) helicopter plant, a Japanese township, and a proposed international cricket stadium by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The region's water needs are bolstered by irrigation plans such as Yettinahole, Upper Bhadra, and Hemavathy, complemented by its positioning on the Tumakuru-Rayadurga railway line, collectively easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru as well.