Bengaluru’s second international airport nears finalisation, talks underway for Nelamangala-Kunigal area: Report | Bengaluru

The decision to build a second airport comes in light of Bengaluru’s growing demand for passenger and cargo services, as well as anticipated urban expansion. Various potential locations, including Harohalli along Kanakapura Road and Bidadi, were assessed, but Nelamangala was ultimately selected based on criteria set by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its favourable connectivity, the report said.

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Located about 30 kilometres from the city centre, Nelamangala benefits from extensive transport links, including national highways and rail networks, as well as a significant amount of government land available. The region boasts of a solid road infrastructure, especially with access to NICE Road, and the planned Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) and Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) that will facilitate smoother transit for travellers from south Bengaluru, the publication noted.

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Moreover, the location is expected to ease traffic congestion on major arterial roads like Mysore Road and Kanakapura Road. Discussions on the airport development have gained momentum, with the latest round of talks taking place last week. A meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar last month reviewed several proposed locations, ultimately highlighting Nelamangala’s potential for future growth.

Once the site is confirmed, a formal proposal will be sent to the AAI. The selected site meets 15 critical criteria required for setting up a new airport, officials said. The restriction on setting up a new airport within a radius of 150 kilometres from the Kempegowda International Airport will be lifted in 2035, further paving the way for this development, it added.