AAI Begins Site Survey for Bengaluru’s Second Airport
Bengaluru, the silicon valley of India, is all set to get its second international airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has recently dispatched a six-member delegation to the city to conduct a site survey of three proposed locations for the new airport. This development comes as a significant step towards addressing the growing need for air travel infrastructure in the city.
The AAI team, led by officials Vikram Singh, K Srinivasa Rao (from HAL), Manuj Bhardwaj, and S Pandey, arrived in Bengaluru on Monday to examine the shortlisted sites. The Karnataka state government had previously identified three potential locations for the new airport, and the AAI team will be conducting a thorough survey to determine which site is best suited for the project.
The need for a second airport in Bengaluru has been felt for some time now. The city’s existing airport, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), is already operating at full capacity, with airlines operating over 700 flights daily. The increasing demand for air travel has led to congestion and delays, making it essential to have a second airport to cater to the growing demand.
The site survey is not only focused on identifying the best location for the new airport but also includes a study on pollution in the areas surrounding the proposed sites. The AAI team will be collecting data on air and noise pollution, as well as assessing the environmental impact of the project.
The new airport is expected to have a capacity to handle 10 million passengers annually, with the potential to increase to 15 million in the future. The project is expected to be completed within the next five years, with the first phase expected to be completed within the next three years.
The AAI team will be conducting a thorough examination of the proposed sites, taking into account factors such as distance from the city, accessibility, and environmental impact. The team will also be interacting with local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and requirements.
The proposed sites for the new airport are:
- Devanahalli: Located about 30 km north of Bengaluru, this site is already home to the KIA. The new airport could be built adjacent to the existing airport, with the potential for sharing resources and infrastructure.
- Yelahanka: This site is located about 15 km north of Bengaluru and is already home to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Yelahanka Air Force Station. The site has been identified as a potential location for the new airport due to its proximity to the city and existing infrastructure.
- Balagangadha: This site is located about 40 km north of Bengaluru and is currently used as a military airfield. The site has been identified as a potential location for the new airport due to its proximity to the city and existing infrastructure.
The AAI team’s site survey is an essential step in determining the best location for the new airport. The team will be presenting its findings and recommendations to the Karnataka state government, which will then make a final decision on the location and scope of the project.
In conclusion, the site survey for Bengaluru’s second airport is a significant step towards addressing the growing need for air travel infrastructure in the city. The AAI team’s thorough examination of the proposed sites will ensure that the best location is selected, taking into account factors such as distance from the city, accessibility, and environmental impact. The new airport is expected to be a major boost to the city’s economy and infrastructure, and the AAI team’s site survey is an essential step in making that a reality.
