Mysuru: Efforts to accelerate the long-pending expansion of Mysuru Airport have gathered pace, with elected representatives stressing the need for seamless coordination among departments to ensure timely completion of the project.
Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Chamundeshwari MLA G. T. Devegowda jointly called for expediting the process to make the acquired land encumbrance-free so that development work can proceed without delays.
High-level meeting reviews progress
The leaders participated in a review meeting convened by P. V. Usha Kumari at the Mysuru Airport Community Hall on Saturday. The meeting focused on key aspects of the airport’s expansion, particularly Phase I of the runway extension.
Officials discussed plans to upgrade the existing runway (09/27), currently measuring 1,740 metres x 30 metres and suitable for ATR-72 aircraft, to a larger 2,300 metres x 45 metres configuration. The expansion will enable operations of bigger aircraft such as Airbus A-320 and Boeing 737, significantly enhancing connectivity.
Land acquisition nearing completion
The runway expansion requires a total of 240 acres of land. Of this, 206 acres have already been acquired by Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, with compensation disbursed to landowners. In cases of disputes, compensation amounts have been deposited in court.
The remaining 34 acres belong to the government and are expected to be made available for the project.
However, officials highlighted pending issues related to a 7-acre revenue layout on the Mandakalli side (north of the airport), which is critical for the runway’s basic strip. Resolving this issue is essential before the land can be handed over to the Airports Authority of India.
Call to expedite compensation and clearances
The MP and MLA directed KIADB officials to fast-track the assessment and disbursement of compensation for structures and trees within the acquired land. They emphasised that early resolution of these issues would allow the land to be transferred to AAI without further delay.
They also urged all departments involved to address bottlenecks related to land acquisition, utility shifting, and infrastructure adjustments.
Highway diversion project progresses
Significant progress has also been reported in the diversion of National Highway 766 (Nanjangud Road), a key requirement for the runway extension.
Officials from National Highways Authority of India informed that the final alignment and draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) were submitted on December 15, 2025, and have received approval from AAI.
The proposal includes a 3.5-km diversion featuring a 520-metre underground box tunnel, three canal box tunnels, and a utility duct for Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited infrastructure. The revised cost of the project stands at ₹612 crore, an increase of ₹102 crore compared to earlier estimates in 2018.
AAI has insisted that NHAI bear the additional costs, including those related to land acquisition prior to 2023 agreements. NHAI officials stated that the matter will be taken up with their headquarters in New Delhi for resolution.
Safety clearances and regulatory steps
On the regulatory front, preliminary steps have been initiated for security clearances from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. A stakeholders’ meeting was held on January 9, 2026, and an expert committee has been proposed.
State police consent has also been sought for deploying personnel at 12 tunnel entry and exit points, a crucial requirement for ensuring safety compliance.
Multi-agency coordination emphasised
The meeting saw participation from senior police officials and representatives of key departments, including South Western Railway, Irrigation Department, NHAI, AAI, and KIADB.
The MP and MLA stressed that coordinated efforts among all stakeholders are essential to avoid delays and ensure smooth execution of the project.
Conclusion
The expansion of Mysuru Airport is expected to transform regional connectivity by enabling larger aircraft operations and increasing passenger capacity. While substantial progress has been made in land acquisition and planning, timely resolution of pending issues remains critical.
With renewed push from elected representatives and ongoing coordination among departments, the project appears to be moving closer to take-off, promising significant economic and infrastructure benefits for the region.