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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Foxconn's unit at Devanahalli nearly ready, commercial iPhone shipments expected by June: MB Patil
Bengaluru, May 17 (PTI): Karnataka Minister for Commerce & Industries M B Patil on Saturday said Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn's unit at the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) of Devanahalli here is nearly ready for launch, with commercial iPhone shipments expected to begin as early as June.
Foxconn is the iPhone's contract manufacturer.
"This isn't just a manufacturing milestone - it marks a strategic shift. With rising geopolitical and tariff pressures, India is fast becoming Apple's preferred production hub," Patil said in a post on 'X'.
He said this development strengthens Karnataka's position in global manufacturing and opens the door to greater foreign investment - without compromising stakeholder interests.
The minister further said Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that for the June quarter, a majority of iPhones sold in the US will be made in India.
"As a Kannadiga, this is a proud moment. From Mysuru to Cupertino, Karnataka is making global headlines," he added.
The company has acquired 300 acres of land in the ITIR Industrial Area, located in Doddaballapura and Devanahalli Taluk of Bengaluru Rural District.
In his 2025-26 Budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that Foxconn company has started a mobile phone manufacturing plant in Devanahalli Industrial Area with a capital investment of Rs 21,911 crore.
"This company will be provided with an incentive of Rs 6,970 crore by Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM)," he had said.
ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಫಾಕ್ಸ್’ಕಾನ್ ಘಟಕವು ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಗೆ ಸಿದ್ಧ!
— M B Patil (@MBPatil) May 17, 2025
ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಐಟಿಐಆರ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಇರುವ ಫಾಕ್ಸ್ಕಾನ್ ಘಟಕವು ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಗೆ ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ. ಜೂನ್ ತಿಂಗಳ ಆರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಐಫೋನ್’ಗಳ ರವಾನೆ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾಗುವ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಿದೆ.
ಇದು ಕೇವಲ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಉತ್ಪಾದನಾ ಮೈಲಿಗಲ್ಲಲ್ಲ – ಇದು ಒಂದು ಕಾರ್ಯತಂತ್ರದ ಬದಲಾವಣೆಯ ಸಂಕೇತ.… pic.twitter.com/pSD5jfayaB
