Karnataka's Shivamogga Airport To Be Operational From August 11

The newly constructed Shivamogga Airport will likely become operational from August 11 onwards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 27, inaugurated the Shivamogga Airport with a lotus-shaped terminal. Post this inauguration, all pending works are said to be completed by July 20.

"Ambulance and other vehicles need to be deployed, and a coffee cafe is yet to be opened. Apart from these, some technical and non-technical staff needs to be hired. The airport will be set for commercial operations by July 20 after meeting all these requirements," Karnataka Large Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil stated. The Minister chaired a review meeting of new airports in the state today.

For maintenance, the Directorate of Civil Aviation has permitted Karnataka State Industries and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) will conduct the operation and maintenance of this airport. "With this, Shivamogga Airport would become the very first airport to be maintained by an institution of the state government," Patil added.

Other Important Airports Also Under Progress

The Minister also reviewed the progress of the ongoing works at Vijayapura Airport. Expressing his dissatisfaction about the airport not being provided with a night landing facility, he directed the concerned officials to take steps to incorporate it.

"The original plan did not include the night landing facility. So far, around Rs 350 crore has been spent, and an additional Rs 12 crore will be needed to include a night landing facility. Runway work has been completed, and all structure-related works will be finished in three months. Simultaneously, installation of the equipment will be taken care of," Patil said.

The Minister also examined the progress of ongoing airport projects in Hassan, Raichur and Karwar. Later, he also discussed the construction of airstrips at Dharmasthala, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru, which were proposed in the recent state budget, his office said in a release.

(With Inputs from PTI)

Cover Photo Credits Unsplash

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