SHIVAMOGGA: In a significant development, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted approval for the commencement of flights connecting Shivamogga with prominent cities such as Delhi, Chennai, New Goa, Tirupati, and Hyderabad.
This announcement was made by B.Y. Raghavendra, the esteemed member of the Lok Sabha representing Shivamogga, during a press interaction on June 29. Initially, Raghavendra had submitted requests for 11 routes, and he expressed his satisfaction that the ministry has now approved the routes connecting key destinations. The operation of these routes will be assigned through a bidding process to private flight operators. Raghavendra is optimistic that flight services to Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other locations will commence within the next few months.
On August 11, Indigo Airlines will inaugurate its flight operations at Shivamogga airport. The tentative schedule indicates that the first flight from Bengaluru will arrive in Shivamogga at 11 a.m. On the same day, the return flight will depart from Shivamogga at 1 p.m. and reach Bengaluru by 2 p.m., ensuring convenient connectivity for passengers. Notably, the Shivamogga-Bengaluru route is not covered under the Regional Connecting Scheme (RCS). However, to encourage the flight operator, the State Government has extended a subsidy of Rs.2.5 crore.
Raghavendra highlighted that had the route been selected under the RCS, the State Government would not have needed to offer any subsidy. The expected fare for the Shivamogga-Bengaluru route is approximately Rs.2,500, and the official announcement from the flight operator regarding the fares will be made soon.
In response to a query, Raghavendra acknowledged that operating airports might not yield significant profits. Nevertheless, the construction of airports plays a vital role in promoting tourism and attracting investors to the region. He emphasized the challenges faced in convincing private operators to initiate operations and expressed satisfaction with their successful efforts. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in providing a timeline for the commencement of flight operations to other destinations.
Shivamogga airport, constructed at a cost of Rs.450 crore, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27. With its 3.6-kilometer-long runway, the airport can accommodate all types of flights, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility to the region.
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