Vijayapura
The long-awaited environmental case concerning infrastructure projects, including Vijayapura Airport, has concluded in the Supreme Court of India, with the final verdict now reserved. Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M. B. Patil expressed hope that a positive outcome will allow the airport to start operations without further delay.
The airport’s construction has already been completed, and the state government has submitted an application to the DGCA for flight clearance. Patil personally met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to fast-track approvals.
The project, initiated in 2021–22, initially lacked prior environmental clearance, a shortcoming now addressed under the current government. A Chennai-based environmental group had approached the Supreme Court seeking a freeze on projects without clearance, which indirectly affected Vijayapura Airport’s approval process. To resolve the matter, the state engaged senior legal experts, including Kapil Sibal, Devadatt Kamat, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and Additional Advocate General Nishant Patil.
The government has released an additional ₹220 crores to complete essential facilities: ₹60 crores for the approach road, ₹25 crores for fire safety vehicles, and ₹60 crores for night landing capabilities. Meetings with airline operators have already begun, and responses have been encouraging.
Once operational, Vijayapura Airport is expected to enhance connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, promote trade, and spur regional development, benefiting the Kittur region and neighbouring districts. The state now eagerly awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict to unlock the full potential of this long-anticipated project.
