PM Modi inaugurates Shivamogga Airport in Karnataka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Shivamogga Airport in a boost to connectivity and accessibility of the Karnataka city and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region.

The new airport has been developed at a cost of around ₹450 crore and the passenger terminal can handle 300 travellers every hour. The prime minister laid the foundation stone of multiple projects at Shivamogga, including two railway projects – Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Koteganguru Railway coaching depot. As per the government statement, the airport will improve connectivity and accessibility of Shivamogga and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region.

The new railway line, aimed at enhanced connectivity of the Malnad region with the Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline, is estimated to be developed at a cost of ₹990 crore. The new coaching depot at Shivamogga will help start new trains from Shivamogga and decongest maintenance facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru, according to a statement.

In Karnataka, this is the state’s ninth domestic airport. Domestic airports serving the state are currently found in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Ballari, Bidar, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Mangaluru. The two international airports in the state are at Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

The airport, which is built to operate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 type aircraft, has the second-longest runway, measuring 3,200 metres, after Kempe Gowda International airport in Bengaluru. It can accommodate 200 passengers during peak hours.

Yediyurappa, a former chief minister of Karnataka, stated Shivamogga airport, will have the second longest runway in Karnataka after Bengaluru and will fulfil a long-standing demand of the people of the Malnad region. “The airport will enhance connectivity, boost tourism and further accelerate growth across Central Karnataka,” he added.

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