Hosur Airport: Industries Push For Green Field Project As Karnataka Prepares For Second Bengaluru Airport

As the Karnataka government moves ahead with plans for a second airport in Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu is actively considering the construction of an airport in Hosur, a rapidly growing industrial hub just 40 kilometers from the Garden City.

Push for a Greenfield Airport in Hosur

Industry bodies in Hosur have urged the Tamil Nadu government to expedite the establishment of a greenfield airport by requesting the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a detailed study of two shortlisted locations. The Hosur Industries Association (HIA) and Hosur Small and Tiny Industries Association (HOSTIA) believe that the villages near the privately owned Taneja Aerospace and Aviation (TAAL) airport-one of the locations under review- would be the perfect choice for the new airport, Deccan Herald reported.

These industry associations have also emphasized the need for swift land acquisition once the site is finalized, ensuring that the project does not face unnecessary delays.
Strategic Importance of an Airport in Hosur

Apart from boosting passenger travel, an airport in Hosur is expected to significantly enhance freight movement. Currently, industries in Hosur rely on Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which is nearly 80 kilometers away, leading to increased logistical costs and time consumption. A dedicated airport would provide a more efficient solution for cargo and business travel.

2 Sites Finalised

Following the survey of five potential sites, the Tamil Nadu government has narrowed its options to two locations-one situated 2 kilometers and the other 10 kilometers from Belagondapalli village on Thalli Road in Hosur. AAI is set to conduct further evaluations of these sites. This progress follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's announcement six months ago, outlining plans for a 2,000-acre airport in Hosur.

However, the project is facing hurdles due to the existing concessionaire agreement between Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and AAI, which prohibits the establishment of a new airport within 150 kilometers of Kempegowda International Airport until 2033.

However, L.K.M. Adhi, a member of HIA, believes that this agreement should not deter Tamil Nadu's plans, as constructing a greenfield airport would take at least six to seven years. He emphasized the importance of planning ahead, especially given Karnataka's parallel efforts to develop a second airport for Bengaluru.

"With Karnataka starting preliminary work on a second airport for Bengaluru, the Tamil Nadu government should stand its course and finalise a location soon. We need an airport and there is no doubt about it. One should also look at the freight traffic which is substantial in Hosur," the English daily quoted Adhi as saying.

B Senthilnathan of HIA reinforced this view, highlighting that Hosur's diverse industrial landscape-including horticulture, MSMEs, and electronics manufacturing-could generate significant freight revenue. "Since the concessionaire agreement ends in 2033, we should plan now to see how we can have an airport at least by then, if not immediately," he noted.

Location and Logistics

Even if international operations are not immediately feasible, industry representatives argue that domestic flights from Hosur would greatly benefit businesses and local travellers.

K. Velmurugan, past president of HOSTIA, supports the selection of Belagondapalli, where TAAL airport is located, as the best site for the project. He pointed out that the area's flat terrain and well-connected road network make it a suitable choice.

"The topography in other areas like Shoolagiri won't be suitable for an airport. After finalising the location, the government should ensure that the land acquisition is a smooth affair and doesn't run into rough weather as it happened in Parandur, the location for Chennai's second airport," he cautioned.

This project isn't just about an airport-it's about putting Hosur on the map as a logistics and business powerhouse. According to Srivats Ram, Chairman of the CII Tamil Nadu State Council, the airport could create a twin-city ecosystem with Bengaluru, driving growth in nearby districts like Dharmapuri and Salem.