The Karnataka government is aiming to establish an airport in Ballari to serve areas like Ballari, Hosapete, Hampi, Anegondi, Sandur, Koppal, Kurugodu, and Siruguppa, as stated by Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil. A site about 19 km from Ballari has been earmarked for this purpose, pending further discussions with public representatives from Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts.
Responding to a query in the Legislative Assembly by Gangavathi MLA G. Janardhana Reddy, Minister Patil highlighted the government’s acquisition of 900 acres of land in Ballari back in 2010 for Rs 124 crore. Reddy emphasized the need for the airport to be located between Hampi and Ballari city, a distance of 45 kilometers, but faced feasibility challenges according to the Airports Authority of India.
Minister Patil stressed that the proposed Ballari airport should not only benefit Ballari district but also extend its advantages to Koppal and Vijayanagara districts. A meeting involving public representatives from the three districts will be organized soon under the Chief Minister’s leadership to discuss the project’s potential benefits and obstacles.
The minister pointed out the importance of strategic airport planning to avoid past mistakes seen in Hubballi, Belagavi, and Vijayapura airports. He emphasized the need for foresight in airport development to prevent airports from becoming inactive post-construction, citing examples of missed opportunities in other regions.
