Karnataka Govt Plans To Launch State-Owned Airline
The Karnataka government is exploring the possibility of launching its own airline to improve regional connectivity within the state.
This announcement was made by Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development, M.B. Patil, during an interaction with the media.
Previously, the Karnataka airport was operated by the airport authority, and the lands associated with these airports were also transferred to the same authority.
However, the Karnataka government is now looking to manage all future airports built in the state. Notably, the Shivamogga airport is already under the state government’s control.
Karnataka state-owned airline aims to enhance economic growth in several districts, including Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Yadgiri, Raichur, and Koppal. The construction of the Vijayapur Airport is progressing rapidly, with plans for its inauguration by April 2024.
Additionally, there are efforts to establish an extensive eco-tourism park spanning 1,819 acres in Uttara Kannada through a public-private partnership model.
Furthermore, the Karnataka government is planning an Aero City ‘Business Park’ near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. These initiatives will boost tourism, support local economies, and generate job opportunities for youths.
The Bengaluru Suburban Project, covering 149 km in its first phase, is nearing realization. The project will revolutionize the transportation infrastructure in the region.
There are plans to expand this project to an extensive 452 km in its second phase, pending necessary permissions from the Union Ministry of Railways. This expansion will significantly improve connectivity and mobility in the state.
The government is also planning a ‘Knowledge-Health-Innovation and Research City’ on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
The project will span into approximately 2,000 acres. The project aims to boost the growth of technology sector institutions, healthcare facilities, innovation hubs, and research centers.
The initial phase will encompass 1,000 acres and house a world-class university, a state-of-the-art hospital, and advanced innovation and research facilities.
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The Karnataka government is in discussions with civil aviation experts to evaluate the feasibility of establishing its own airline.
The government is exploring financial modalities, including the possibility of leasing aircraft. It’s estimated that acquiring three new aircraft would cost around ₹600 crore. The government considers this a reasonable investment to enhance air connectivity between cities within the state.
M.B. Patil also mentioned reaching out to businessman Sanjay Ghodawat, the owner and founder of Star Air, to discuss potential collaboration for the state’s airline project.
Improved air connectivity could facilitate services from various cities, including Mysore, Bengaluru, Kalaburagi, Hubballi, and Shivamogga.
