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Bengaluru, Oct 23 (IANS) Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil on Thursday said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) expert team, which recently examined potential sites for Bengaluru’s second international airport, is expected to submit its report within the next two to three days.
The minister said, once the report is received, it will be placed before the Cabinet for discussion before taking a final decision.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Patil said there is a possibility that the AAI team may recommend both the sites it has inspected.
However, he said airport construction companies will also evaluate the financial feasibility of the proposed locations.
“It is not that wherever the government allots land, they (AAI) will build an airport there,” Patil said.
He also said that the state government has initiated the process keeping in mind the clause that prohibits the establishment of another international airport within a radius of 150 km of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) till 2033.
“If we start the ground work now, the second international airport will be ready by then. A project of this scale usually takes at least five to six years to complete,” he said.
Currently, only two cities in India – New Delhi (Noida) and Mumbai (Navi Mumbai) – have two international airports.
“We will also consult the companies involved in developing those airports,” Patil said, adding that the state government is aware of Tamil Nadu’s plan to build an airport at Hosur near the Karnataka border.
On the proposed location, the minister said MLAs from North Karnataka have suggested Tumkuru as a suitable venue, while some others have recommended South Bengaluru.
“However, passenger density, industrial requirements and many other factors will be taken into consideration. Ultimately, the decision will be taken purely on merit, keeping in mind the convenience and future demand,” Patil said.
–IANS
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