Modi in Karnataka | PM inaugurates ‘lotus-shaped’ Shivamogga airport, launches slew of development projects
The Hindu
PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹3,600 crore in the district
In what is his fifth visit to poll-bound Karnataka in two months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shivamogga airport at Sogane. The event coincided with the 80th birthday of BJP strongman from the State and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.
He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹3,600 crore in the district. Later in the afternoon, he will take part in a nine-km roadshow and inaugurate the renovated railway station in Belagavi.
The new airport has a lotus-shaped terminal and has been developed at a cost of around ₹450 crore. The passenger terminal building of the airport can handle 300 passengers per hour.
Built on 775 acres of land, the airport has aa 3.2 km long runway, and the passenger terminal has a built-up area of 4,320 sqft. The airport can handle aircraft ranging from the ATR 72 to the Airbus 320.
It is considered the second largest airport in the State, after Kempe Gowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The exterior design of the passenger terminal resembles lotus, symbol of the ruling BJP, which was objected to by some people earlier.
The airport is expected to improve connectivity and accessibility from Shivamogga and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region of Karnataka, officials said.
The new airport was the dream project of four-time Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa who hails from Shivamogga district. Though he announced his retirement from electoral politics, Mr. Yediyurappa remains a key leader for the party’s poll campaign. He was the Deputy Chief Minister in the Janata Dal (S)-BJP coalition government in 2007 when an airport for Shivamogga was approved.
Why Pushkar continues to draw crowds each year
Dakshina Kannada groundwater levels in ‘safe’ category, only 45% utilised: Union Jal Shakti Ministry
Dakshina Kannada's groundwater levels remain safe, with only 45% of extractable resources currently utilized for various needs.
Commuters and activists demand signals, speed breakers and other safety measures at Kolapakkam junction on Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road. During peak hour, this intersection becomes a major traffic bottleneck and cannot do without police presence
An increasing number of colleges in Chennai run study circles on their premises to help students prepare for UPSC and TNPSC exams
Inspired by deeply personal memories, says maker of Telugu short selected for Sundance Film Festival
Telugu short film "O’sey Balamma," inspired by childhood memories, selected for Sundance Film Festival 2026, says creator Nimmala Raman.
Bengaluru deploys 20,000 police for New Year celebrations, with heat maps for crowd monitoring and enhanced safety measures.
India’s election rulebook governs a campaign ecosystem that no longer runs only on parties and candidates, as political persuasion shifts to platforms and intermediaries operating outside formal regulatory structures.
S. Krishnaswamy, acclaimed filmmaker and Padma Shri recipient, passes away, leaving a legacy of over 900 impactful documentaries.
Shorts News:Three Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy
BJP's Nainar Nagenthran claims the government orchestrated the Karur stampede, questioning the Chief Minister's actions post-tragedy.
Families of Red Fort blast victims await government compensation, facing financial struggles and lack of communication from officials.
Uttar Pradesh deletes 2.89 crore names from draft voter list; voters can contest deletions starting January 1, 2026.
The Union and State governments provided support in several ways to the needy people, but private institutions should also extend help, especially to those requiring medical assistance, said C.P. Rajkumar, Managing Director, Nalam Multispeciality Hospital, here on Saturday. Speaking at a function to honour Inspector General of Police V. Balakrishnan and neurologist S. Meenakshisundaram with C. Palaniappan Memorial Award for their contribution to society and Nalam Kappom medical adoption of Type-1 diabetic children, he said the governments implemented numerous welfare programmes, but the timely help by a private hospital or a doctor in the neighbourhood to the people in need would go a long way in safeguarding their lives.