Karnataka Minsiter MB Patil confirms second international airport for Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Amid discussions over considering a second airport for Bengaluru city, Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil on Wednesday confirmed the coming up of the new international airport dedicated to the city.
Patil speaking to media persons at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday stated, "Bengaluru, which is one of the fastest growing cities in terms of industrial growth and population globally, needs another international airport to handle over 100 million passengers annually and a four and a half thousand to five thousand acres of land will be required for this purpose, and a high-level committee will consider it and finalize it.”
"Bengaluru is also the technology and innovation capital of the country, and the present Kempegowda International Airport is the third busiest airport after Delhi and Mumbai in the country. At present, it handles 52 million passengers and 0.71 million tons of cargo per year. He explained that it can be expanded up to 1.10 million tonnes and it will reach the maximum level by 2035. KIAL now has two runways, in which expansion is not possible,” he clarified.
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"By 2035, Kempegowda Airport will reach its maximum capacity. Following our project announcement, the Tamil Nadu government proposed a new airport in Hosur, but we have no issue with that," Patil added.
The minister outlined several requirements for the new airport, including the absence of nearby hills, rivers, or seas, as well as quality state/national highway, rail, and metro connectivity. He mentioned potential locations such as Kanakapura Road, Mysore Road, Magadi, Doddaballapur, Dabasapete, and Tumkur.
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which built KIAL, had stipulated that no new airport should be established within a 150 km radius until 2033. Patil noted that this restriction will expire by 2033, and with immediate action, the new airport could be operational by then.
"Second airports have been constructed 35-40 km from existing airports in Delhi and Mumbai. We will consider similar distances," Patil assured, emphasizing that the proposed airport will enhance convenience in all aspects.
In addition, Patil also revealed about holding discussions about the state's industrial development with Union Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy. He plans to personally visit and submit a proposal to the Centre, highlighting the state's interest in attracting major industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, with full state government support.
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Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
