The debate over where Bengaluru’s second airport will sit has become heated inside Karnataka Congress. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara wants the airport near his home district of Tumakuru, while Chief Minister DK Shivakumar supports a site in south Bengaluru.
Parameshwara says an airport close to Tumakuru would boost connectivity for 18‑20 districts and help balanced regional growth. He added that the final location will be decided after the technical committee and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) give their approvals.
In a post on X, he noted that Tumakuru has already been officially proposed as the site and that the project has been submitted to DGCA for mandatory technical and feasibility clearances. He also mentioned plans to link the new airport with Kempegowda International Airport for seamless transit.
Shivakumar, who represents Kanakapura, has consistently said the airport should be built in the southern part of the city. He believes the location will improve access to the city’s southern and southeastern growth corridors.
BJP state president Vijayendra also urged the government to consider Tumakuru instead of Kanakapura, citing balanced development. Union Minister V Somanna asked Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to look at Sira in Tumakuru district as a potential site.
Parameshwara has suggested metro connectivity to Tumakuru and even proposed renaming the district as Bengaluru North.
The Karnataka government has not yet finalized the airport location. The sites under consideration include Chudahalli and Somanahalli on Kanakapura Road and Solur on Nelamangala‑Kunigal Road.
In June 2024, Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil said the proposed airport could handle up to 100 million passengers a year and would need about 4,500‑5,000 acres of land.
As the debate continues, stakeholders await the technical committee’s report and DGCA clearance before a final decision can be made.