Karnataka aka aviation hub

Karnataka aka aviation hub
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

20 Dec, 2006 0213hrs IST

BANGALORE: The government is considering a proposal to build small and costeffective greenfield airports to make Karnataka an aviation hub, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an interaction between captains of aviation industry and the government, the CM said the government has planned to expand the Mangalore, Hubli and Belgaum airports, besides operationalising Mysore and Bellary airports. The government also plans to develop greenfield airports at Hassan, Shimoga, Gulbarga and Bijapur.

The existing defence airports at Karwar and Bidar will be opened for civilian operations soon. Infrastructure secretary V P Baligar added that the defence ministry has okayed the state request to permit civilian operations. The CM has now written to the civil aviation minister to build terminal buildings at these two airports Baligar said the Bidar airport requires only a terminal building since the Air Force station has adequate runways whereas Karwar airport, which is used by the Navy, a separate runway has to be built.

He said the government is in the process of sorting out issues raised by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Mysore airport expansion. The airport requires 20 acres of land for the terminal building and a case in this regard is pending in the court. AAI regional executive director Ramalingam also sought 93 acres of land for expanding the runway.

As for the Hubli airport, the masterplan prepared by the AAI envisages either acquiring 400 or 650 acres of land. The intention is to make Hubli an international airport for which 650 acres will be required. For the Belgaum airport, money has already been released to acquire 370 acres of land.

For Hassan and Gulbarga, 474 acres of land has been allocated in Hassan and 567 acres of land in Gulbarga. The government has earmarked Rs 20 crore each to build the two airports. Air Deccan has agreed to operate flights to these destinations, Baligar said.

As for the Shimoga airport, the government has identified about 1,000 acres of land. The government wants to develop Bijapur as an important tourist destination and has identified 1,000 acres of land. Jet Airways GM (South) U Shenoy said the airline is ready to operate if appropriate infrastructure is provided at the new airports. Air Deccan head, corporate planning, R Krishnaswamy said his airline has given a commitment to help the government build greenfield airports. Developing Karwar airport could also bring international charters.