Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Minister, M.B. Patil, announced on Friday a significant financial boost for the Vijayapura Greenfield Airport. An additional allocation of ₹270.83 crore will now enable the airport to accommodate Airbus-320 aircraft, implement crucial night landing facilities, and upgrade various other essential infrastructure. This latest funding brings the airport’s total development cost to an impressive ₹618.75 crore.
Minister Patil, who also oversees the Vijayapura district, clarified that this increase in project cost stems from a vital design modification. Initially planned solely for ATR aircraft, the airport’s blueprint was revised to include facilities for the larger Airbus-320, necessitating the additional investment.
Breaking down the new allocation, Mr. Patil detailed that ₹65 crore is specifically designated for installing night-landing systems, constructing paved shoulders along the runway, and compensating for necessary land acquisition.
Further investments include ₹52 crore for a new approach road connecting the airport directly to National Highway-50. Additionally, ₹25 crore will be spent on acquiring two state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles and their associated equipment.
Smaller yet crucial allocations include ₹2.76 crore for advanced Baggage Detection System equipment and ₹13.09 crore for the purchase and installation of Doppler VHF Omni-Directional Range equipment. Minister Patil noted that these essential items were not part of the initial project approval.
The airport project undergoes regular scrutiny and review by both the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India, ensuring adherence to national and international standards.
Mr. Patil confirmed that all recommendations from these oversight bodies are being promptly implemented. To secure the funding for these newly identified facilities, a revised proposal was submitted to the State-level Technical Advisory and Estimates Committee in February, receiving their approval before moving to the cabinet.
Emphasizing a long-term vision, Mr. Patil highlighted that the airport’s development takes into account the significant industrial, economic, educational, and tourism potential of Vijayapura and its surrounding regions. He anticipates that once fully operational, the airport will establish a crucial aerial connection between Karnataka and North India, fostering growth and connectivity.