As far as airports go, would 3 be a crowd?
One of the installations at the T2 terminal
As minister indicates govt is thinking of having an additional airport for Bengaluru, we discuss the aspects associated with this plan
The State Government is now thinking of making an additional airport for Bengaluru. Recently,Minister for Large, Medium and Industries and Infrastructure MB PatilMB Patil had indicated that the government is considering a second airport between Tumakuru and Chitradurga. This has raised a question: Bengaluru already boasts two airports, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA ) and HAL, so many wonder why not just revive HAL airport instead of making a third one.
Sources indicate that land has not been identified yet, but if it is less than 150 km from KIA, then the construction of the airport can start only after 2033. This is because when theMinistry of Civil Aviation and BIAL signed on the dotted line in 2004, it was agreed that “no new or existing airport (except for Mysore and Hassan airports) shall be permitted by GoI to be developed as, or improved or upgraded into, a domestic airport within an aerial distance of 150 km of the airport before the 25th anniversary of the airport opening date.” KIA started
operations in May 2008.
This apart, the KIA is already undergoing expansion. While, the first phase of the second terminal T2 has been operationalised, in the near future, T2 will also undergo expansion. “We are currently in the process of preparing a master plan to decide on the future expansion of KIA. The master plan will be ready by next year and will be sent to the Minister of Civil Aviation.
The master plan will determine where the T3 terminal needs to be constructed. In all likelihood, the T3 may be constructed only around 2030. It is estimated that KIA will reach saturation in growth by 2030 if the number of flyers touches 100 million,” said th esource
Although there are plans to construct T3, there could be no way another runway could be constructed as the land is not available. The government has stated that it cannot part with any land near Devanahalli.
“Currently, we cannot move south of the existing airport beyond our boundary by land acquisition as we may encroach into the airspace of theIndian Air Force Yelahanka , and in the north, there are many limitations due to numerous developments. This means that although we can construct the T3 terminal, there is no way another runway can be made. According to the existing guidelines, KIA can have three terminals but only two runways. Hence, the government might be planning to have one more airport,” he said.
About HAL airport, an official said that it is currently being used for defense purposes. “Even VVIPs like the PM or others land at HAL airport. Many private chartered flights also take off from HAL. However, HAL has its own constraints. The growth of the city is so much that there is thick urban growth in and around HAL, leaving very little scope for improvement. The runway also needs to be expanded, and no land is available nearby so another runway cannot be constructed,” said the official.
A BIAL source said they had earlier held discussions with the authorities for HAL airport to find viable alternatives. However, it didn’t work out.
Art of the matter at T2 terminal
The T2 terminal, already known for its unique design, has become a canvas for various art forms. In a conversation with Mirror, a BIAL official said, “Creating art for an airport posed a challenge, as airport art differs from traditional gallery art. Currently, we have curated six art forms by 43 artists, strategically placed at 13 vantage locations.
The theme chosen isNavarasa , reflecting the myriad moods of travelers passing through the airport. The art at T2 is centered around two themes: Karnataka’s rich heritage and culture, and Bharata Natyashastra’s Navarasa, representing the nine emotions.”
Passengers will now also have the chance to discover the diverse art forms showcased. An official said, “We are providing guided tours through registration for the airport walkthrough, available from December 1 to 10, between 10:30 am and 12 pm. This unique experience is exclusively for registered flyers. For those who have registered, detailed information about the artists and the narratives behind each art form can be found on our website. Each piece unfolds a unique story.”
Shedding light on one of the installations, V+mana, the official said the artwork is designed to invites travellers to immerse themselves in the concept of adbhuta rasa (surprise/wonder). “V+mana features a gopura, intricately carved in bronze, resembling a modern-day rocket launcher leaning against a traditional and detailed gopura,” said the official.
The State Government is now thinking of making an additional airport for Bengaluru. Recently,Minister for Large, Medium and Industries and Infrastructure MB PatilMB Patil had indicated that the government is considering a second airport between Tumakuru and Chitradurga. This has raised a question: Bengaluru already boasts two airports, Kempegowda International Airport (
Sources indicate that land has not been identified yet, but if it is less than 150 km from KIA, then the construction of the airport can start only after 2033. This is because when the
operations in May 2008.
This apart, the KIA is already undergoing expansion. While, the first phase of the second terminal T2 has been operationalised, in the near future, T2 will also undergo expansion. “We are currently in the process of preparing a master plan to decide on the future expansion of KIA. The master plan will be ready by next year and will be sent to the Minister of Civil Aviation.
The master plan will determine where the T3 terminal needs to be constructed. In all likelihood, the T3 may be constructed only around 2030. It is estimated that KIA will reach saturation in growth by 2030 if the number of flyers touches 100 million,” said th esource
Although there are plans to construct T3, there could be no way another runway could be constructed as the land is not available. The government has stated that it cannot part with any land near Devanahalli.
“Currently, we cannot move south of the existing airport beyond our boundary by land acquisition as we may encroach into the airspace of the
About HAL airport, an official said that it is currently being used for defense purposes. “Even VVIPs like the PM or others land at HAL airport. Many private chartered flights also take off from HAL. However, HAL has its own constraints. The growth of the city is so much that there is thick urban growth in and around HAL, leaving very little scope for improvement. The runway also needs to be expanded, and no land is available nearby so another runway cannot be constructed,” said the official.
The growth of the city is so much that there is thick urban growth in and around HAL, leaving very little scope for improvement
A BIAL source said they had earlier held discussions with the authorities for HAL airport to find viable alternatives. However, it didn’t work out.
Art of the matter at T2 terminal
The T2 terminal, already known for its unique design, has become a canvas for various art forms. In a conversation with Mirror, a BIAL official said, “Creating art for an airport posed a challenge, as airport art differs from traditional gallery art. Currently, we have curated six art forms by 43 artists, strategically placed at 13 vantage locations.
The theme chosen is
Passengers will now also have the chance to discover the diverse art forms showcased. An official said, “We are providing guided tours through registration for the airport walkthrough, available from December 1 to 10, between 10:30 am and 12 pm. This unique experience is exclusively for registered flyers. For those who have registered, detailed information about the artists and the narratives behind each art form can be found on our website. Each piece unfolds a unique story.”
Shedding light on one of the installations, V+mana, the official said the artwork is designed to invites travellers to immerse themselves in the concept of adbhuta rasa (surprise/wonder). “V+mana features a gopura, intricately carved in bronze, resembling a modern-day rocket launcher leaning against a traditional and detailed gopura,” said the official.
