VIP air travel costs Karnataka exchequer ₹34.58 crore over two years
The Hindu
Karnataka State spent ₹34.58 crore on air travel for high dignitaries, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, and Chief Justice of India.
The air travel expenses incurred for the movement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, and Chief Justice of India have cost the Karnataka State exchequer ₹34.58 crore over the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25, according to data provided by the Public Works, Bridges and Inland Water Transport Department.
In a recent reply in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah disclosed the expenditure details, stating that in 2023-24, the government spent ₹13.38 crore on air travel for high dignitaries. In 2024-25, the expenditure rose to ₹21.20 crore.
Source: Karnataka Government
“Among the dignitaries, CM Siddaramaiah accounted for the most helicopter trips, followed by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The Chief Justice of India also travelled by helicopter on a few occasions during his visits to Karnataka,” the data revealed.
The helicopter services for these dignitaries were provided by GMP Air Charters, facilitating their travel within Karnataka and to neighbouring States for various events and official programmes.
Instances of specific air travel costs include a flight for the Chief Minister on September 11, 2023, from HAL to Mysuru and back, which cost ₹11,32,800. Another instance on October 6, 2023, saw the Chief Minister travelling from HAL to Chitradurga and Hiriyur, before returning to HAL, incurring an expense of ₹9,67,600 for a helicopter ride.
A senior official from the department clarified to The Hindu that all air travel undertaken by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries was strictly for official purposes. The official asserted that no government funds were utilised for personal or political campaign-related travel.
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