The Karnataka government will take a final decision on the proposed airport in the Kalyana Karnataka region after consulting elected representatives from Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts, Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil informed the Legislative Council on Tuesday.
Replying to BJP member Y.M. Satish, Mr. Patil said the government is considering the possibility of establishing an airport at a suitable location that would serve people from all three districts. However, a final decision will be taken after a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister with representatives of the three districts.
Mr. Patil said the proposal to construct an airport in Ballari was first taken up in 2010. Around 900 acres of land had been acquired for the project and handed over to Chennai-based MARG Sri Krishnadevaraya Airport Private Ltd., for construction of the airport.
However, the company failed to commence work within two years as required under the agreement, leading to the cancellation of the contract, he said.
Subsequently, tenders were invited in October last year to appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the project, the Minister said.
Mr. Patil added that there has been a demand from people in Vijayanagara and Koppal districts for an airport in their respective areas. Establishing separate airports in each district may not be practical, he said, and therefore the government is examining the possibility of identifying a location that can serve all three districts. At the same time, he clarified that the land acquired earlier in Ballari for the airport project will not be returned.
Referring to the Centre’s UDAN scheme aimed at promoting regional air connectivity, Mr. Patil said airports in the State functioned well during the first three years under the scheme. However, flight services from Kalaburagi and Bidar airports were later suspended due to low passenger traffic, though services have since resumed at Bidar.
The government wants to avoid a similar situation in Ballari, he said. “In my view, the Ballari airport should not become a white elephant,” the Minister said.
Airports at Kalaburagi and Bidar had struggled due to low passenger numbers, he noted, adding that the State has sought extension of the UDAN scheme from three years to five years to improve viability.
Mr. Patil said establishing an airport at a location convenient for people of all three districts could make the project economically viable. A decision will be taken after discussions with all stakeholders, he added.
Investment proposals in Vijayapura
Replying to another question by BJP member P.H. Pujar, the Minister said discussions are under way to attract industries other than cement and sugar sectors to Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts.
In Vijayapura district, talks have been held with seven to eight companies regarding investments. Of these, three companies have confirmed their plans to invest, he said.
They include Campa Cola, part of the Reliance Group, wind energy company Suzlon, and Viterra, which is engaged in processing pigeon pea (toor dal).
Mr. Patil said Campa Cola is expected to perform the ground-breaking ceremony for its facility in the district next week, while discussions with five other companies are in progress.
Published – March 10, 2026 07:08 pm IST
