Govt releases Rs 17.06 Cr for Chikkamagaluru airstrip

In a significant development to boost tourism and trade, the Karnataka government has released Rs 17.06 crore for land acquisition to construct an airstrip in Chikkamagaluru. Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil directed officials to place the project proposal before the upcoming cabinet meeting to ensure swift execution. The project, announced in the 2023–24 budget, includes the development of airstrips in Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu. Patil, along with Energy Minister and Chikkamagaluru District In-charge Minister K.J. George, held a high-level meeting with officials at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday to finalize proceedings. The Chikkamagaluru district administration has already allocated 137 acres between Chikkamagaluru and Hiremagaluru, out of which 120 acres are government-owned. The remaining 17.1 acres are privately owned, with a total acquisition cost of Rs 24.6 crore. While Rs 7 crore has already been released, the remaining Rs 17.6 crore is now being expedited.

The Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) will release the balance funds post cabinet approval. Plans are also underway to develop a heliport within the airstrip and make provisions for larger aircraft operations in the future. Additional adjacent land will be identified and acquired as needed.

Officials, including Infrastructure Development Secretary N. Manjula and KSIIDC MD Khushboo Goel, attended the meeting. Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj joined virtually. The project work is expected to begin soon.