Hosur Airport Project Aims to Improve Connectivity for Bengaluru Residents

The Karnataka government is planning a second airport in Bengaluru, while Tamil Nadu aims to establish an airport in Hosur, near Bengaluru. Tamil Nadu's Industries Minister, T.R.B. Raja, announced efforts to construct an international airport in Hosur. This initiative addresses the long-standing demand for better connectivity. The proposed airport is expected to handle 30 million passengers annually, as announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in June 2024.

Hosur's strategic location and industrial growth make the airport essential. The town is set to expand significantly over the next five years, driven by investments in electronics and electric vehicles. Raja assured industrialists of the government's commitment to this project. The government is expediting site selection, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducting feasibility studies on two potential locations.

The proposed Hosur airport faces a significant challenge due to a 2004 agreement between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL). This agreement restricts new airports within 150 km of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) until May 2033. As KIA was inaugurated in May 2019, this restriction remains in effect for 25 years from that date.

To operate commercial flights from Hosur, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from BIAL is necessary if the location falls within the restricted zone. BIAL previously denied such permission for HAL airport on Old Airport Road in Bengaluru. Before KIA's opening at Devanahalli, HAL handled both domestic and international flights.

The proposed Hosur airport promises significant benefits for residents of south Bengaluru, particularly those in Electronic City and nearby areas. It would drastically cut travel time to KIA, which currently takes over two hours due to heavy traffic congestion. This development is crucial for improving connectivity and easing travel burdens.

Hosur hosts around 500 large industries and 3,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It is home to electric vehicle manufacturers like Ola, Ather, Simple Energy, and TVS Motor Company. Tata Electronics Private Limited, a major supplier to Apple Inc., also operates here. The town has become a hub for automotive and electric vehicle manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and electronics.

Hosur's Rapid Growth

Hosur's population has grown significantly due to its industrial expansion. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level, it ranked 13th among the world's fastest-growing cities in 2021. Visual Capitalist reported a 5.38% annual growth rate for Hosur, highlighting its rapid development.

The final decision on the airport's location will follow AAI's feasibility report on two shortlisted sites. One potential site includes villages near Belagondapalli where Taneja Aerospace & Aviation Limited (TAAL) operates a private airport. The government aims to resolve location selection swiftly to advance this critical infrastructure project.