MB Patil urges Centre to clear decks for Bengaluru's 2nd airport
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New Delhi: Industries and infrastructure development minister MB Patil Thursday pressed union civil aviation minister K Ramamohan Naidu to fast-track key aviation projects in the state, including finalising the location for Bengaluru's proposed second international airport.
"Once finalised, this would enable the state govt to proceed with follow-up works," Patil said.
He also sought central clearance for the inauguration of the Vijayapura airport, which is ready to launch pending the environment ministry's nod.
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Emphasising the potential of north Karnataka for investments, Patil sought international status for Hubballi and Belagavi airports.
Both airports now have passenger terminals with capacities of 2,400 passengers per hour and feature night-landing and cargo terminals.
Upgrading them would "boost connectivity for north Karnataka, south Maharashtra and Goa," he said.
During the meeting, airport development in Mysuru, Shivamogga, Hassan, Karwar, and Raichur also came up for discussion.
Patil urged the Centre to grant Karnataka stakeholder status in the airport monetisation programme. "Despite Karnataka's key role… it has not been granted stakeholder status," he said, citing Rs 319 crore for Mysuru runway expansion, Rs 450 crore for land at Hubballi, and full funding of Kalaburagi airport.
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