The Karnataka government has identified a 6,000-acre site near the Nelamangala-Kunigal stretch of National Highway 75 for Bengaluru’s proposed second international airport. A digital survey using helicopters has been conducted, and a preliminary map has been prepared. However, the project has faced strong opposition from local farmers.
The site, which spans parts of Motagondanahalli, Nelamangala, Sompura, Yentaganahalli, and Soladevanahalli across three gram panchayats, is located near the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and falls within the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river basins. The land is primarily fertile farmland, impacting 13 villages. Farmers have raised concerns over the loss of productive agricultural land and have expressed frustration with the lack of clear communication from government officials. Led by Nelamangala MLA N. Srinivas, local farmers are calling for a halt to the project, urging that the welfare of farmers take precedence.
The land was chosen after extensive deliberations to address congestion at Kempegowda International Airport. The Ministry of Big Industries had shortlisted five sites, including Bidadi, Harohalli, Dabaspet, Shira, and Nelamangala, with the Nelamangala-Kunigal site receiving approval from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. This location intersects with key infrastructure projects like the Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway line, the Bangalore-Mangaluru National Highway, and the Hemavathi water pipeline project. Additionally, the Solur area is slated for suburban development. Despite the government’s approval, opposition, including concerns from environmentalists, has left the future of the airport uncertain.
