Cost escalation of ₹300 crore in realignment of Mysuru-Nanjangud stretch of NH766

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy directed the officials concerned to expedite the airport development work, including the land acquisition process, so that upgradation of Mysuru airport could commence.

The cost of realignment of the Mysuru-Nanjangud stretch of National Highway number 766 so as to skirt the city airport’s runway, which is being extended, has escalated from around ₹510 crore to about ₹800 crore.

The issue came up during a discussion on projects being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the region at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting chaired by Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, in Mysuru on January 4.

The highway realignment stems from the proposed extension of the runway of Mysuru airport from the existing 1,740 metres to nearly 2,750 metres to facilitate operation of larger aircraft, like Boeing and Airbus. In the subsequent phase, the runway is planned to be extended to 3,200 meters.

As the alignment of the extended runway bisects the existing highway, the authorities have mooted realignment of the road. Airport Authority of India (AAI) agreed to bear the entire expenditure and had earmarked ₹510 crore for the purpose. Realignment of the highway will increase the distance between Mysuru and Nanjangud by 5 km, to nearly 28 km.

From the discussions between the NHAI representatives and Mr. Kumaraswamy, it transpired that there was no clarity as to who will bear the difference in cost. The NHAI officials present at the meeting said they have prepared a DPR and the cost of the project, which was forwarded to AAI for approval. The final decision on sharing the difference in cost has to be taken by officials of AAI and NHAI.

Officials from the Irrigation Department said that irrigation canals cut through the swathe of land proposed to be acquired by the AAI for runway extension. It entails diversion and realignment of the canals. A DPR has been prepared and submitted to the AAI for final approval. The cost of canal realignment has been pegged at ₹70 crore.

Regarding high tension power lines, authorities are examining the possibility of underground cabling to avoid right-of-way issues. The cost for the same has been pegged at around ₹79 crore as per a preliminary estimate.