Sira joins race for Bengaluru’s second airport as feasibility study kicks off!

With Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) nearing saturation, the push for a second airport in Bengaluru is gaining urgency. While locations near Kanakapura and Nelamangala are under serious consideration, Sira in Tumakuru district has emerged as a surprise contender, backed strongly by senior Congress leader TB Jayachandra.

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“Between KIAL and the proposed airport, there must be a 150-km gap — Sira fits perfectly,” Jayachandra said, highlighting the town’s strategic connectivity. “It has four national highways, a 10-lane Bengaluru–Pune road, and excellent transport infrastructure. If the airport comes here, it’ll boost agriculture and local development.”

State Industries Minister MB Patil underscored the growing pressure on Bengaluru’s aviation infrastructure, noting that the 150-km exclusivity norm for new airports will lapse in 2033. “We’re moving fast,” he said, adding that ₹1.21 crore has already been allocated for a feasibility study.

The Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) is leading the planning, while officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) are set to begin ground inspections. The team will assess multiple technical and environmental factors, including topography, waterbodies, transportation access, and satellite imagery, to evaluate the viability of shortlisted sites.

As passenger traffic soars, the state’s aviation ambitions are taking off — with Sira now firmly on the radar.