The state government has budgeted Rs 89 crore this year to upgrade airport infrastructure in tier-II and tier-III cities in Karnataka to promote regional air connectivity, infrastructure minister RV Deshpande said on Wednesday.
His comments came hours before the government launched its first regional air service –Chennai-Mysuru-Chennai route at Mysuru, coinciding with the Dasara festivities. The Hyderabad-Ballari-Hyderabad service will also start on Thursday under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme (RCS).
In addition to supporting upgradation of Hubballi , Belagavi, Mangaluru and Bidar governments, the government was also developing airstrips at Chikkamagaluru, Madikeri and Karwar.
While land has been acquired for Chikkamagaluru airstrip, land has been identified for Madikeri and Kumta airstrips, Deshpande said.
Under the RCS, four airports such as ports such as Mysuru, Bidar, Bengaluru, Vidyanagar (Ballari) have been selected. “For the development of these airports and for the commencement of airline operations, our government is providing complete cooperation and support,“ Deshpande said.
