BANGALORE: Karnataka Minister M B Patil emphasized the need for a second international airport near Bangalore, proposing that it should handle at least 100 million passengers annually and require between 4,500 to 5,000 acres of land to accommodate the rapidly growing city.

"We will consult with technical experts before presenting the proposal to the Chief Minister and the State Cabinet. You can expect progress on this within the next three months," said Patil, who is responsible for large and medium industries and infrastructure development.

Bangalore, known as a hub for technology and innovation, currently has Kempegowda International Airport, the third busiest airport in India after Delhi and Mumbai. The airport currently handles 52 million passengers and 0.71 million tonnes of cargo annually, with projections indicating it will reach 110 million passengers and 1.10 million tonnes of cargo by 2035. "Kempegowda Airport will reach its capacity by 2035. Therefore, a second international airport is necessary," Patil said.

Regarding Tamil Nadu's plan to build an international airport in Hosur, Patil remarked that Karnataka's announcement prompted this response from the neighboring state. He clarified that Karnataka has no objections to Tamil Nadu's plans. Regarding the location of the new airport, Patil mentioned it should be free of hills, rivers, seas, or high-rise buildings and have excellent state and national highway, rail, and metro connectivity.

Patil also noted that the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which built and operates Kempegowda Airport, has a stipulation that no international airport should be built within a 150 km radius until 2033. "If we act immediately, we can develop the new airport by 2033," he stated.

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