Shivamogga airport is all set to become operational soon as PM Modi is in Karnataka to pay respects. The airport is targeted to enhance opportunities in the Central Karnataka region in the form of growing tourism and development in the industry sector.
“The airport at Shivamogga will boost commerce, connectivity and enhance tourism,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter. Member of Parliament – B Y Raghavendra said, “The passenger terminal building of the airport can handle 300 passengers per hour and will serve as a gateway to the Malnad area.” But here we are telling you everything about this new airport.
The terminal building of the greenfield airport gets a lotus-inspired shape, which has certainly invited some controversy. The airport is designed with an aircraft apron, fire station building, taxiways and an air traffic control (ATC) tower. The airport terminal building is highly modernized with modern facilities. Designed by Kembhavi Architects, the airport is built under public-private partnership.
Built over 600 acres of land, the airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 450 crore. The work for the airport began back in 2020 when the then Chief Minister of the state BS Yediyurappa laid the foundation stone. The state’s 9th domestic airport has been developed under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
Shivamogga Airport: passenger capacity
The airport aims to cater to around 300 passengers during its peak hours. With its runway length of 3.2 kilometres, second only to Kempegowda Airport in Bengaluru in Karnataka, it is reported to be capable of handling wide-body aircraft. However, so far, it will only cater to turbo-props like the ATR-72 and narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and more.
Shivamogga Airport named after the famous poet Kuvempu
The airport will be named after the famous poet Kuvempu. The ruling BJP government suggested naming the airport after BS Yeddyurappa, the former chief minister of the state, but he rejected the proposal. Also, it is to be noted that the airport is being inaugurated on Yediyurappa’s 80th birthday.