Karnataka: Commercial Operations In Shivamogga Airport To Begin On 11 August

The new Shivamogga airport in Karnataka is expected to commence operations on 11 August, announced the Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil on Thursday (13 July).

On 21 February trial run of flights started at Karnataka's newest airport — Shivamogga Airport by Indian Air Force aircraft (Boeing business jet 737-700).

The airport was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 February.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted permission for commercial flights and private aircraft to operate from the airport.

Shivamogga airport is located at Sogane village, at a distance of 12 km from the city, on 663 acres of land (the total available for the proposed airport is about 775 acres) at an investment of Rs 449.22 crore.

The domestic terminal building will encompass an area of 4,231.64 sqm, capable of handling 300 passengers (150 arrivals + 150 departure) during peak hours with all modern facilities and amenities.

The building will provide aesthetically appealing and soothing interior decoration matching the contemporary structure.

Airfield ground lighting and the navigation and communication system are based on International Civil Aviation Organisation norms. The airport is designed to operate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 type aircraft and can handle about 200 peak-hour passengers.

The project is executed in two phases. The first phase consists of a runway, taxiway, apron, approach road, peripheral road and compound wall construction, while the second phase consists of a terminal building, ATC tower, and fire station building.

The airport's passenger terminal building can handle 300 passengers per hour.

During a review meeting, Patil instructed officials to ensure that all pending amenities at the airport are in place by 20 July, reports Deccan Herald.

Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has been granted permission by the DGCA to manage the operations and maintenance of the Shivamogga airport.

Patil stated that Shivamogga Airport would be the first airport to be maintained by the Karnataka state government and that if everything goes according to plan, the first flight will depart from Bengaluru and arrive at the Shivamogga airport on 11 August.

The airport is expected to boost tourism, industries and economic activities in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts.

In June 2020, Yediyurappa laid the foundation for constructing the airport project’s first phase at Rs 220 crore.

KIADB and the state public works department are jointly executing the project.

Yediyurappa originally mooted the project during his tenure as deputy chief minister in the JD(S)-BJP government. He also tried to provide impetus during his stint as the state chief minister between 2009 and 2012.

The project regained momentum in late 2019, after the newly formed BJP government released Rs 45 crore for the work.

Yediyurappa is widely credited with championing the airport project in Sogane near Shivamogga and ensuring its execution, despite multiple hurdles.

Shivamogga is the home district of the former chief minister.

Vijayapura Airport Progress

Meanwhile, Patil also assessed the advancement of the ongoing work at Vijayapura airport.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of a night landing facility, Patil instructed officials to take the necessary measures.

He stated, "The original plan did not include a night landing facility. Thus far, Rs 350 crore has been spent, and an additional Rs 12 crore will be required to incorporate the night landing facility."

According to Patil, the runway construction has been completed, and all tasks related to the structures will be finished within three months. Simultaneously, the installation of the equipment will be carried out.

During the meeting, Patil reviewed the progress of airport projects in Hassan, Raichur, and Karawar. He also discussed the development of airstrips at Dharmasthala, Kodagu, and Chikmagalur, which were proposed in the budget.