Quick Summary
- NHAI Alignment Realignment: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized the realignment of NH 766 between Mysuru and nanjangud to facilitate Mysuru airport expansion, increasing the distance by about 6 km.
- Land Acquisition Process: Land acquisition will start after NHAI submits the new alignment plan to the Airport Authority of india (AAI). A total of 240 acres is required for expansion; only 34 acres remain to be acquired.
- Runway Expansion Details: Runway at Mysuru airport, currently 1,740 meters long, will be extended to 2,450 meters for wide-bodied aircraft operations and longer routes. Presently, only short-haul ATR flights operate from the airport.
- Funding Allocation: AAI has earmarked ₹510 crore for land acquisition, including expenses related to highway diversion. Utility shifting costs are estimated at ₹101.82 crore.
- Stakeholders’ Concerns: Delays in the project have raised criticism from industry stakeholders who emphasize that a fully operational airport is necessary to attract investments.
- Connectivity Potential Post Expansion: Airport expansion aims to improve connectivity with cities like Mumbai and Delhi while boosting tourism and business activities.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The realignment of NH766 represents a crucial logistical step toward modernizing Mysuru’s infrastructure by facilitating airport runway expansion.The planned extension reflects efforts to broaden connectivity by accommodating larger aircrafts capable of serving major cities across India-potentially providing notable economic stimuli through enhanced trade opportunities and tourism inflows.
Though, concerns raised about sluggish progress underline systemic inefficiencies that could delay critical infrastructure projects in Karnataka despite resource allocations crossing ₹600 crore when land acquisition and utility shifting are combined. Stakeholders’ frustrations highlight an imperative need for streamlined coordination between regulatory bodies like AAI and local supportive agencies such as KIADB.
Proper execution could transform Mysuru into a gateway city with improved investment attraction capability due partly ease-from-being operating low logistics dragging-outrupt concerns Redirect tourism gains