At a time when the Mysore airport is facing suspension with only two flights a day, the fate of under-construction airports and planned airstrips in Karnataka does not seem bright.
From economy to premium class further reduce the air traffic on this segment. This despite the fact that apart from Bengaluru, Mysore is the biggest tourist destination in Karnataka.
This also raises questions about the state government’s idea of improving air connectivity with the development of five new airports and 11 airstrips and upgrading at least two existing defence airports in the state.
This might become a white elephant for the state’s economy as financial viability seems the core issue of establishing good air connectivity in the state rather than just developing facilities at huge costs.
The project of developing 11 airstrips across the state is pending as their fate depends on the Airport Policy, a draft of which is awaiting the government’s approval. Meanwhile, no private party has shown interest in developing an airstrip, apparently due to financial non-viability of the projects.
The state Cabinet had announced that 11 airstrips would be developed at the cost of Rs 3-4 crore each. However, a study by the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB), which was engaged by the Infrastructure Development Department (IDD) to develop five airstrips, suggested that the cost of developing a single airstrip would be around Rs 30-40 crore.
The earlier estimate had considered only the cost of land and construction and planned for bare minimum passenger facilities with no additional infrastructure. Later, it was realised that additional facilities for staff and passengers would be needed for which additional land would be required.
According to state officials, Bengaluru International Airport, being the state’s first PPP airport project, received many out-of-the-way concessions to make it viable and the same cannot be extended to all projects. Therefore, to make airport projects viable, a state-level policy is needed.
08/11/11 Monica Jha/Deccan Chronicle
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