Decision on airport in Kalyana Karnataka region after consultation with representatives: M.B. Patil

Karnataka government to decide on Kalyana Karnataka airport after consulting local representatives from Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts.

The Karnataka government will take a final decision on the proposed airport in the Kalyana Karnataka region after consulting elected representatives from Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts, Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil informed the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Replying to BJP member Y.M. Satish, Mr. Patil said the government is considering the possibility of establishing an airport at a suitable location that would serve people from all three districts. However, a final decision will be taken after a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister with representatives of the three districts.

Mr. Patil said the proposal to construct an airport in Ballari was first taken up in 2010. Around 900 acres of land had been acquired for the project and handed over to Chennai-based MARG Sri Krishnadevaraya Airport Private Ltd., for construction of the airport.

However, the company failed to commence work within two years as required under the agreement, leading to the cancellation of the contract, he said.

Subsequently, tenders were invited in October last year to appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the project, the Minister said.

Mr. Patil added that there has been a demand from people in Vijayanagara and Koppal districts for an airport in their respective areas. Establishing separate airports in each district may not be practical, he said, and therefore the government is examining the possibility of identifying a location that can serve all three districts. At the same time, he clarified that the land acquired earlier in Ballari for the airport project will not be returned.