Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil announces cabinet approval of an additional ₹270.83 crore to upgrade Vijayapura Airport for Airbus-320 operations, night-landing, and enhanced connectivity.
The Karnataka government has given a significant push to the upcoming Vijayapura “Greenfield” Airport with the state cabinet approving an additional ₹270.83 crore to expand its infrastructure and make it capable of handling Airbus-320 type aircraft.
Announcing the decision on Friday, Infrastructure Development Minister and Vijayapura district in-charge MB Patil said that the cabinet deliberated on the proposal in detail during its Thursday meeting before granting approval. With this latest allocation, the airport’s total project cost has climbed to ₹618.75 crore.
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Patil explained that the cost escalation was due to design modifications—originally planned for ATR aircraft operations, the airport will now support Airbus-320 aircraft operations, including provision for night-landing facilities and other critical infrastructure.
Of the new funds, ₹65 crore will go towards night-landing facilities, paved shoulders for the runway, and land acquisition compensation. Another ₹52 crore has been earmarked for an approach road to connect the airport with National Highway-50. In addition, ₹25 crore will be used to procure two Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles along with specialized equipment.
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Further allocations include ₹2.76 crore for a Baggage Detection System (BDS) and ₹13.09 crore for the procurement and installation of DVOR (Doppler VHF Omni-Directional Range) equipment. Patil clarified that these provisions, while essential, were not part of the airport’s initial approval.
The Minister stated that the project is being periodically reviewed by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India, with recommendations implemented in line with aviation standards. The revised proposal was submitted earlier this year to the State-level Technical Advisory and Estimates Committee, cleared, and then placed before the cabinet for final approval.
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Highlighting the airport’s importance, Patil said the facility is being developed with a long-term vision, keeping in mind the industrial, economic, educational, and tourism growth potential of Vijayapura and neighbouring districts. Once operational, the airport is expected to become a crucial link connecting Karnataka with North India.