Mysore Airport Expansion: An Aviation Enthusiast’s Point of View

Author: Shreyas K Mahesh, Mysuru

As a Mysorean interested in infrastructure-related topics, I do worry about the prolonged delay in Mysore Airport Expansion. Seeing the latest developments, I’m sick of the political wars between parties regarding the credit, naming of the airport, etc. Therefore, I want both the Governments, State & Center to intervene in the matter behind the expansion delay and keep off the political slugfest.

Is expansion necessary? 

Of course, it is necessary because Mysore Airport has been in existence for over 15 years and is still stuck in its initial phase-1 level of development: Handling smaller aircraft and turboprop planes. The presence of the Nanjangud -Chamarajanagar railway line at the western end of the airport and a National Highway at the eastern end is the reason hindering the extension of the 1740m long runway to 2745m. Now, another hurdle called land acquisition is delaying the process as well.

Seeing the new airports like Shivamogga and Kalaburagi, equipped with runways over 3000m long (at phase-1) and exhibiting future readiness is commendable but a worrying factor for a city like Mysuru. Hubballi and Belagavi have upgraded with 2600m & 2300m long runways. Other cities like Hassan and Vijayapura are soon to be on the aviation map. Mysuru, with a decade-old airport, needs a serious upliftment.

Another issue is the proximity of Bengaluru. By just 175 km, India’s 3rd busiest Airport (Kempegowda International Airport) is an excellent option for travelers to fly within the country or overseas. Now, that dependency has to be reduced. (except International ones)

The big question 

The most concerning thing that really bothers me is the update on Airport Expansion. The previous State Government led by the BJP had sanctioned a total of 150 Crores. The current Government led by the Congress party had invested 75 Crores (except a recent allocation of nearly 50 crores in the state budget).

As of 2023, this totals to 225 Crores. As per news reports, over 100 acres of land have been taken up. With these developments, I really expected some work (like excavation) on the other side of the National Highway. But unfortunately, nothing has happened. I really wanted to know why.

An Ultimate Masterplan: The solution for present & future

With the ongoing issues related to land acquisition and other factors delaying the process of Mysore Airport expansion, it’s high time that the AAI and concerned aviation officials design an ultimate masterplan for the airport with a future scope. The requirement of this future development indeed answers its requirement, considering the current situation of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the closure of Bengaluru’s HAL airport and Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport.

Similarly, like Bengaluru’s IT Boom in the late 80s, Mysuru might witness an industrial boom sometime in the future. And this industrial boom will lead a lot of professionals from the country or the world to visit the city. This pressurizes the expansions of our city’s airport, railway stations, etc. in order to accommodate more such flights or train services. At that time, Mysuru Airport should be in a position to extend its runway, and apron with more parking slots, extend or build more terminals, introduce development works & hassle-free facilities at the airport.

From my perspective, Mysuru, a city situated at 760 MSL might require an International Airport with a single runway of length 3660m or more (60m wide) complete with a parallel end-to-end taxiway (option for another parallel taxiway). The space for a huge airfield (movement area) consisting of the above-mentioned runway, taxiway(s), RESA, space for airfield lighting (ILS), and other facilities should be considered. A big apron, suitable to accommodate the required estimate of aircraft, with space for future expansion. A big terminal capacity to handle millions of passengers should be considered (with an option of terminal 2 as well). Also, an adequate space for the airport city should also be considered.

I’m not saying that the requirement of these should be fulfilled now. Let Mysore Airport be expanded into different phases slowly in the future. The major issue is the availability of land resources. Currently, the majority of the lands surrounding the airport are farmlands, but in the future, that same amount of land might get converted to sites, multi-storeyed buildings, villas, or gateways, or become an activity of real estate. They will eventually become an obstacle for subsequent phase-wise expansions. Therefore, recognizing such lands at the earliest and land acquisition when necessary will surely help out.

Along with that, proper off-airport development works should be done, particularly road connectivity. Another proper link road connecting the Mysuru – Nanjangud NH and Mysuru – Mananthavady NH (with service roads) should pass through the airport connecting the terminal(s), enhancing better connectivity. Also, the expansion of the above-mentioned National Highways (with service roads and flyovers) should be considered.

Summary

The concern behind this is to raise awareness regarding the future readiness of any infrastructure development in our city. Like me, a lot of citizens and people are concerned regarding the delays surrounding Mysore Airport expansion. I tried my best possible way of addressing future related issues, the airport might face with the concept of the master plan and future readiness. My only desire is to see Mysuru have a reputation for having an airport within 15 km from the city center, unlike Bengaluru which is 40 km away. Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport’s success is an inspiration behind my concern.

Author: Shreyas K Mahesh, Mysuru

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