Synopsis: The second international airport proposed for Bengaluru may make South Bengaluru the next major IT and real estate centre of the city. This article covers the most preferred locations for South Bengaluru airport, areas to benefit, and connectivity that could help boost South Bengaluru airport.
Bengaluru’s second international airport is moving closer to reality. The Karnataka government announced that South Bengaluru has been identified as the preferred site for the city’s second international airport. The project will be assessed at several locations along the southern corridor, with the potential to enhance the connectivity of the region and create new opportunities for regional infrastructure, industry, and real estate.The project will take up approximately 3,500- 5,000 acres of land and is expected to go into operation after 2033 as per the concession agreement.
Why South Bengaluru?
Availability of large contiguous land parcels, smaller populations in some pockets and potential for expansion. The corridor is also well connected with key transportation ways and emerging industrial developments.
Potential Airport location options in South Bengaluru
The final location is yet to be known, but some places in south Bengaluru have been identified as potential locations because of their availability of large land parcels, highway connectivity and lower development density. The areas are deemed suitable for a world class airport and future expansion.
- Kanakapura Road Corridor: One of the strong prospects with a huge land mass, good connectivity to road and near to the NICE Road Corridor.
- Choodahalli: It is the most prospective area as it has been shortlisted by the government and has relatively low-density development with sufficient land for a large airport.
- Somanahalli: Adjacent to Kanakapura Road in the vicinity of the project with good access to major highways and potential for supporting aviation infrastructure.
- Harohalli: A fast-growing industrial area with a good landmass and close to the KIADB industrial area is a good emerging option.
- Nelmangala-Kunigal corridor: Major alternative outside south Bengaluru to be officially shortlisted, offering large parcels, access to National highways, and in proximity to STRR.
- Jigani: The city is not shortlisted as yet but its wide land bank, industrial ecosystem and connectivity makes it a frequent speculation for the new city.
- Kaggalipura: The location is on the Kanakapura Road belt with a considerable area of undeveloped land and easy connectivity to the road network of South Bengaluru.
Technical feasibility, environmental factors, land acquisition costs and the need to minimise the displacement of residents have been assessed at these sites before the government has finalised the site for the airport.
Areas that Could benefit the Most
The airport, regardless of its size, has the potential to enhance connectivity, real estate demand, and business activity in the surrounding corridors, which will also benefit South Bengaluru.
- Kanakapura Road: Likely to see high demand for residential and plotted development opportunities as it is close to the envisaged airport corridor.
- Harohalli: The Industrial Area under the auspices of the KIADB, along with the better air connectivity, may fast-track the investments in industrial, logistics and warehousing sectors.
- Jigani: already a big manufacturing town and may see further commercial development and a housing market that is more responsive to jobs.
- Electronic City: For IT companies, professionals and business travelers, quicker access to the airport would improve its attraction value
- Bannerghatta Road and Gottigere & Anjanapura: Enhanced connectivity is likely to spur new residential development, along with retail and auxiliary social facilities.
- JP Nagar & NICE Road: Residential areas may benefit with more regional connectivity, which can increase the accessibility to the new airport and growth hubs around the city.
Connectivity advantage
Regional connectivity is also excellent and is expected to improve further with the upcoming projects of STRR and Peripheral Ring Road (Bengaluru Business Corridor) and the development of Kanakapura Road, Bannerghatta Road and NICE Road. The Namma Metro Green Line extension to Silk Institute also enhances connectivity and further metro and suburban rail extensions along the corridor are planned to further strengthen the corridor. These networks combine to make South Bengaluru suitably prepared to accommodate a huge international airport.
Conclusion
With Bengaluru planning for its second international airport, South Bengaluru is emerging as a confirmed choice by the government. Multiple locations are under evaluation as the airport has the potential to redefine the region’s connectivity, real estate landscape, and economic growth. The final location will determine which corridor emerges as Bengaluru’s next major growth hotspots.
