Bengaluru: A public divergence of views within Karnataka's ruling Congress over the location for the proposed second airport in Bengaluru intensified after Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara renewed his advocacy for a site in Tumakuru district, while Chief Minister D K Shivakumar reiterated his preference for a location in south Bengaluru.
Positions from the top
The disagreement became evident as senior leaders advanced competing rationales. Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara argued that an airport near Tumakuru would serve a wide hinterland, potentially improving accessibility across multiple districts. He also underlined that technical and feasibility clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would determine the final decision.
"Tumakuru has been officially proposed as the site for Bengaluru’s second airport, with the potential to benefit 20 districts. The project has been submitted to DGCA for mandatory technical and feasibility clearances. The plan also includes seamless transit integration with Kempegowda International Airport," Parameshwara said in a post on X.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who represents Kanakapura in the Assembly, has been consistent in his view that the second airport should be sited in south Bengaluru. He first expressed this preference publicly earlier in April and has reaffirmed it subsequently.
Political and regional context
The contest over location is not confined to intra-party debate. The proposal for Tumakuru has attracted support from other quarters too. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra urged the state to consider Tumakuru rather than the Kanakapura area, arguing for a more balanced regional development footprint. Separately, Union Minister V Somanna has urged the Civil Aviation Minister to examine Sira in Tumakuru as an option for the new airport.
The debate highlights competing priorities: proponents of Tumakuru point to wider district-level connectivity and decentralised growth, while proponents of a south Bengaluru site emphasise proximity to the city and integration with existing urban transport and economic corridors.
Technical clearances and next steps
Both sides have acknowledged that formal clearances are necessary. Parameshwara said the proposal for Tumakuru has been submitted to the DGCA for technical and feasibility appraisal. The DGCA’s assessment will be central to determining whether any proposed site meets aviation safety, airspace and operational requirements.
Officials will also need to consider connectivity plans, including proposed links to Kempegowda International Airport, in addition to airport capacity, environmental clearances and land acquisition implications — all standard elements for major civil aviation projects.
- Parameshwara: Advocates Tumakuru; cited service to about 18–20 districts and said proposal sent to DGCA.
- D K Shivakumar: Supports location in south Bengaluru; has reiterated the position multiple times.
- Others: BJP state chief and Union Minister have separately suggested Tumakuru/Sira options.
Implications for planning and politics
The dispute has immediate administrative and political consequences. From a planning perspective, the choice of site will influence transport planning, land-use changes and investment patterns across the Bengaluru metropolitan region and adjoining districts. Politically, the disagreement exposes a fault-line within Congress at a time when the party is in power in the state, with both local development promises and party unity at stake.
Observers note that a transparent process involving technical agencies such as the DGCA, and eventual consultations with the Airports Authority of India if required, will be necessary to resolve the matter. The outcome will also shape narratives around equitable development between Bengaluru and its neighbouring regions.
| Stakeholder | Preferred site | Main rationale |
|---|---|---|
| G Parameshwara (Deputy CM) | Tumakuru | Serve 18–20 districts; regional connectivity; proposal submitted to DGCA |
| D K Shivakumar (Chief Minister) | South Bengaluru | Closer to city; earlier public statements in favour |
| B Y Vijayendra (BJP state president) | Tumakuru | Balanced regional development |
As the state government and central aviation authorities consider technical reports, the debate is likely to continue in political and media circles. For residents and businesses in both Bengaluru and the proposed alternative districts, the eventual decision will determine future connectivity, investment prospects and land-use dynamics.
Further official statements or the DGCA’s technical findings are expected to clarify the feasibility of the competing proposals in the coming weeks.
