MYSURU, 4 APRIL

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has formally requested the Union government to allocate Rs 101.84 crore for the shifting of utilities required for the expansion of the Mysuru Airport runway. In a letter addressed to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, which was shared on his X account, the Chief Minister highlighted the historical agreement made between the State government and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) on 6 October 2005, wherein the State government transferred 240 acres of land for the runway expansion.

Additionally, the project necessitates Rs 319.19 crore to purchase the land from farmers, with the final stages of the land transfer to AAI underway. According to the stipulated agreement, AAI is responsible for covering the complete costs associated with the airport's upgrades and enhancements.

Siddaramaiah pointed out that the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) and KPTCL require Rs 70 crore and Rs 31.82 crore, respectively, for the relocation of seven canals, high-tension lines, and electric poles. He urged the Union government to provide the necessary funding for these crucial utility adjustments. The Chief Minister emphasised that once the required funds are allocated, AAI would be able to proceed with the airport expansion and other related works as per the planned schedule.