Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate Shivamogga Airport On 27 February, To Start Commercial Operations In March

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 aircraft was welcomed by water canons.

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the airport, the second biggest in the state after the international airport in Bengaluru, on 27 February, coinciding with the 80th birthday of former chief minister B S Yediyurappa.

B Y Raghavendra, a Lok Sabha member from Shivamogga, said that the DGCA had given a licence to operate flights at the airport.

“The trial run of flights has begun. This will go on for a couple of days. The flight carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at 11.15am on 27 February,” he added.

According to the authorities, a private operator is interested to start commercial operations from March, reports Times Of India.

It will be Karnataka's first airport, maintained by the state government and operated by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.

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 4231.64 sqm. Capable of handling 300 passengers (150 arrival + 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 (AGL) and the Navigation and Communication System is based on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The airport is designed to operate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 type aircraft and can handle about 200 peak-hour passengers.

The project is being 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 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 (PWD) are jointly executing the project.

Yediyurappa originally mooted the project during his tenure as deputy CM 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.

While Yediyurappa represents the Shikaripura assembly constituency in the district, his son B Y Raghavendra represents the Shimoga constituency in Lok Sabha.