Karnataka appeals to Centre to finalise location for second airport for Bengaluru
He also sought approval for the inauguration of the Vijayapura airport and urged the Centre to upgrade the Hubballi and Belagavi airports to international status, according to an official release.
Mr. Patil informed the Union Minister that an expert team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had already visited the three shortlisted sites for Bengaluru's second international airport, and their report was being awaited.
Regarding the Vijayapura airport, the Minister noted that the project is ready for launch, with only clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment pending.
Highlighting the importance of the Hubballi and Belagavi airports, Mr. Patil emphasised the need to upgrade them to international status in view of the region's development and to boost connectivity of North Karnataka with South Maharashtra and Goa.
Both airports were being equipped with terminals capable of handling 2,400 passengers an hour and could accommodate AB320 and A321 class aircrafts, respectively. They were also equipped with night-landing facilities and dedicated cargo terminals.
Belagavi, apart from being a defence location, is a well-known educational hub attracting international students, while Hubballi-Dharwad is rapidly emerging as an industrial zone. Granting international status to these airports would support comprehensive growth in the North Karnataka region and foster expansion in sectors such as e-commerce and logistics, Mr. Patil maintained.
Stakeholder status sought
He also appealed to the Centre to consider Karnataka as an active stakeholder in the airport asset monetisation programme. A more equitable and participatory model would not only recognise the State's significant contribution, but also ensure the long-term sustainability of airport infrastructure development, he stated.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently undertaking airport asset monetisation through public-private partnerships, including the proposed privatisation of 13 airports, such as Hubballi. However, despite Karnataka's key role in land acquisition, infrastructure development, and operational facilitation, it has not been granted stakeholder status in the monetisation framework, Mr. Patil highlighted.
He further explained that the State has made major financial commitments—over ₹319 crore for the runway expansion at Mysuru airport, an additional ₹101.81 crore for associated infrastructure facilities, and nearly ₹450 crore for the acquisition of over 600 acres for the Hubballi airport. Kalaburagi airport, entirely developed by the State government and later handed over to the AAI, currently generates no revenue or equity participation for the State, he pointed out.
Mr. Patil was accompanied by Infrastructure Development Secretary N. Manjula and KSIIDC Managing Director Khushbu Goel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
13 minutes ago
- Hans India
Naxalite couple surrenders before DGP
Vijayawada: Two senior Maoists J Nagaraju,state zonal committee member and incharge of East Bastar divisional committee and his wife M Jogeswari, divisional committee. member surrendered before Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta today. The Naxal couple frustrated with Maoist failures and surrendered before police to join main stream. Nagaraju carries a reward of Rs 20 lakh and Jogeswar has a reward of Rs 5 lakh. The DGP handed over cheques of Rs 20000 each to the couple for immediate relief.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
ACME Solar signs pact with NHPC for 275 MW battery storage projects in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: ACME Solar Holdings has signed Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreements (BESPA) with NHPC for two pioneering Standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, totaling 275 MW/550 MWh, in Andhra Pradesh. The agreements, finalised through wholly owned subsidiaries, mark a significant step in bolstering India's renewable energy infrastructure. The projects, secured via an e-reverse auction on June 24, carry tariffs of INR 2,10,000/MW/month for a 50 MW/100 MWh system and INR 2,22,000/MW/month for a 225 MW/450 MWh system. Supported by the Government of India's Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, which provides up to INR 27 lakh per MWh or 30% of the project cost (whichever is lower), the projects are set to be commissioned within 18 months from the signing date. Following the issuance of the Letter of Award (LOA) on July 8, 2025, the swift transition to BESPA signing was facilitated by the pre-identification of State as the customer. The State will provide land and evacuation infrastructure, enabling faster project execution. These standalone BESS installations, a first-of-their-kind in the state, will enhance grid stability by storing power during off-peak hours and supplying it during peak demand, aiding the integration of variable renewable sources like solar and wind. Operating under a 'BESS as a service' model, the projects introduce a novel framework where capacity charges are payable, setting a precedent in India's energy sector. This initiative strengthens ACME Solar's portfolio by leveraging large-scale battery procurement and installation, positioning the company as a leader in innovative energy solutions.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
PCMC identifies over 34k property owners with tax dues
Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has identified over 34,000 property owners who have not paid their taxes for many years. The civic body has failed to collect property taxes from these residents, most of them living in affordable housing schemes and government-sponsored housing projects. Pune, India - July 20, 2022: Margosa Heights, a posh residential society of 600 flats from 11 buildings had to stay without power for almost 22 hours, mainly due to 'slow action' from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL Mohammed Wadi, Kondhwa, in Pune, India, on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (Photo by Shankar Narayan/HT PHOTO) (Shankar Narayan/HT Photo) According to the PCMC tax department, 34,022 defaulters have residences in projects like Prime Minister Awas Yojana, Gharkul Yojana, Slum Rehabilitation Authority and OTA scheme, amongst others. Pradeep Jambhale-Patil, additional municipal commissioner, PCMC, said, 'We have identified over 1 lakh properties, including 34,000 tax defaulters. While the tax recovery campaign has been successful, we will launch strict action against those who have dues pending for more than 5 and 10 years.' Officials said that 112,809 residential property owners in the city have outstanding dues amounting to ₹310 crore. For those who have not paid their taxes for over 5 to 10 years, the civic body plans to seize high-value household items such as cars, televisions, refrigerators, and other luxury goods. Avinash Shinde, assistant municipal commissioner (tax department), PCMC, said, 'PCMC has already collected ₹522 crore in the first quarter of the year—a record performance—and has set an ambitious revenue target of ₹1,300 crore for 2025-26.' The civic body has 18 divisional offices currently engaged in tax collection. Notices have been issued to defaulters along with their property bills. Officials have warned of seizure of movable assets and, in extreme cases, properties if dues are not paid. Pending tax Properties with over ₹50,000 dues: 28,518 Properties with over ₹1 lakh dues: 9,147 Commercial properties with dues exceeding ₹5 lakh: 875
