The long-pending construction of the runway basic strip area at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) remains stuck due to ongoing wrangling between the Karnataka government and the Centre. At the heart of the issue is a funding dispute over land acquisition—each side insists the other should bear the cost.
This safety buffer, crucial to preventing runway overshoot accidents, was a key recommendation after the 2010 Air India Express crash that claimed 158 lives. Although minor upgrades like runway resurfacing and partial RESA (Runway End Safety Area) improvements have been done, the complete 33-acre buffer zone remains unbuilt.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been requesting the land since 2015-16, but an administrative logjam with the state government has halted progress. Karnataka maintains that since the airport is now privately operated, the operator should fund the acquisition.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Santhosh Kumar G, cited a 2024 letter stating the initial land rate was ₹35 lakh per acre (as per 2018 rates), but land prices have since risen. Additionally, 28 landowners are demanding a one-time rehabilitation package worth ₹7.8 crore. Overall, the cost could reach ₹50 crore.
In Parliament, local MP Capt Brijesh Chowta urged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to mediate. Chowta later confirmed that AAI has agreed to move forward, and the Centre is ready to support the state once land acquisition begins.
However, Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, a top official in the infrastructure department, declined to comment.
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