Kanakapura emerges as frontrunner site for Bengaluru’s second airport project

The Karnataka government is set to receive the Airports Authority of India’s feasibility report for the city’s second airport within two weeks, with Kanakapura emerging as the frontrunner site.

Bengaluru may soon move closer to securing its long-awaited second airport, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) expected to share its crucial feasibility report with the Karnataka government in the coming weeks.

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Industries Minister MB Patil confirmed that the AAI conducted an extensive site study in April at three shortlisted locations: two land parcels of 4,800 acres and 5,000 acres along Kanakapura Road near Harohalli, and a 5,200-acre site on Kunigal Road near Nelamangala. The findings were submitted to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation in June, but the state government is still awaiting clearance.

According to officials, both Kanakapura and Nelamangala sites present waterlogging challenges, a factor not uncommon to Bengaluru due to its natural waterbodies. The proximity and elevation of Bannerghatta Hill is another technical consideration under review.

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Despite these issues, Kanakapura is said to be emerging as the preferred option. The two parcels in the area are being assessed as a combined 9,000-acre land bank, giving planners greater flexibility to design the project while addressing environmental concerns.

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The final decision, however, rests with the Ministry of Environment, which is currently reviewing the report. Once released, the state government plans to create a dedicated committee and bring in a private consultancy with expertise in large airport projects to handle compliance and planning.

If cleared, the second airport will not only ease congestion at Kempegowda International Airport but also provide a major boost to Bengaluru’s infrastructure and global connectivity.

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