Dakshina Kannada MP, Capt Brijesh Chowta, raised concerns in Parliament on Friday about land acquisition hurdles delaying the expansion of Mangaluru International Airport (MIA). During the zero hour, he urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to mediate discussions between all relevant authorities to resolve the deadlock and pave the way for a larger, safer airport.
The MP emphasized the pressing need for land acquisition, highlighting its significance in enhancing MIA’s infrastructure. He also sought ministerial support to include Mangaluru under the UDAN scheme, which aligns with the vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi (Development with Heritage).
MIA, managed by a private operator, has requested additional land from the district administration to establish a runway safety area. The Karnataka government has already communicated with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and expressed readiness to facilitate the acquisition process. Capt Chowta personally met with the Civil Aviation Secretary, who also extended support.
However, the process remains stalled due to the absence of a formal directive from AAI to either the private operator or the state government. While all stakeholders acknowledge the necessity of expansion, bureaucratic inertia has left the project in limbo. Stressing the urgency of ministerial intervention, the MP called for swift action to break the deadlock and accelerate MIA’s development.
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