Karnataka explores second airport in South Bengaluru, says DCM DK Shivakumar

At the Bengaluru Tech Summit, the government announced major infrastructure, aviation and tech-policy plans, including multi-crore projects and a renewed push for space technology.

The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 on Tuesday turned into a stage for several big announcements by the Karnataka government, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar revealing that the state is examining the possibility of building a second international airport for Bengaluru. He said the proposed facility is being considered for the southern region of the city, a move aimed at easing long-term aviation pressure.

The government had earlier shortlisted three potential sites, two located near Kaggalipura and Harohalli along Kanakapura Road, and another option along Kunigal Road in North Bengaluru. A final decision is expected after detailed feasibility studies.

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At the same event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the Karnataka Space Technology, IT and Startup Policy 2025-2030, positioning the state to strengthen its leadership in innovation. He recalled Karnataka’s pioneering IT Policy of 1997 and said the new framework seeks to push the state into becoming a major global centre for deep tech, research and advanced technologies.

Shivakumar also outlined an extensive ₹1 lakh crore investment plan aimed at overhauling Bengaluru’s infrastructure. He highlighted several mega-projects in progress or under planning:

– a 40-km twin tunnel network costing ₹42,500 crore,
– a 41-km double-decker metro corridor estimated at ₹18,000 crore,
– and the upcoming 74-km Bengaluru Business Corridor valued at ₹27,000 crore.

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To strengthen Karnataka’s global outreach, he announced initiatives such as a dedicated NRI secretariat, a residential township for NRIs, and an international complex for foreign businesses. Another major proposal is the development of a 9,000-acre AI-focused city near Bidadi, which aims to attract global technology companies and large-scale research hubs.

Siddaramaiah added that the new Space Technology Policy aims for Karnataka to command 50% of India’s space-tech market and 5% of the global space-tech market over the next decade, reinforcing the state’s ambition to become the country’s leading space innovation centre.