Bengaluru: With Independence Day week approaching, Bengaluru Airport is bracing for a surge in passenger traffic and heightened security measures. Travelers are advised to arrive early to account for possible delays at security checkpoints. The airport management recommends arriving well in advance and taking advantage of services such as shopping, dining, and lounge access while waiting.
Compounding the issue, poor road conditions in north Bengaluru are causing severe traffic congestion, particularly during the monsoon. Flooding on key routes like Nagavara, Hebbal, and Sahakara Nagar is significantly impacting travel times to the airport. Passengers are encountering difficulties navigating through these traffic bottlenecks, with many seeking alternative routes.
In response to increasing demand and regional competition, Bengaluru is moving forward with plans to develop a second airport. Seven potential locations, including Harohalli and Dobbaspet, have been shortlisted, with other sites near Tumakuru and Koratagere also under consideration. This development is in part driven by Tamil Nadu’s initiative to build an international airport at Hosur, located near Bengaluru.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil have emphasized the urgency of advancing these plans to maintain Bengaluru’s competitive edge in air travel infrastructure. The Karnataka government is working to secure approval from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expedite the process.