Infrastructure
Hassan airport project to be connected under UDAN Scheme (Image: Association of Private Airport Operators)
The Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed connecting the Hassan airport under the Udan scheme once it is operational, as it is anticipated to receive high demand from pilgrims, particularly those who visit Shravanabelagola.
Hassan Greenfield Airport construction is anticipated to be finished by December 2023, according to Shailendra K Beldale Hasan, chairman of the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
"The airport runway works are almost complete now. This airport is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 193 crore," he said, reports Economic Times.
The airport is located in Buvanahalli, on the city's outskirts, the runway length is 200 metres, and the airport works are being implemented in two phases.
The airport will have a brand-new passenger terminal building, an aircraft apron, a single 300-meter-wide runway about 2.8 kilometres in length.
It is intended for use with tiny ATR-72-600 type aircraft and can accommodate 200 passengers during peak hours.
Phase I works commenced in January 2022.
The programme also aims to make air travel accessible to all social groups by providing discounted flights.
Two more sites from Karnataka including Kolar and Raichur are featured on a list of prospective airstrips built in the central government's UDAN project.
The government assessed these sites based on their proximity to sanctuaries for wildlife, tourist attractions, and places of worship.
Raichur is close to tourist attractions, while Kolar is close to religious sites.
The fifth phase of the Ministry of Civil Aviation's flagship UDAN programme aims to build 54 more airstrips in the country.