Bagalkot's Airstrip Demand Gains Momentum as State Budget Nears
The long-standing demand for an airstrip in Bagalkot district is gaining significant momentum, with citizens and local stakeholders intensifying their appeal to the Karnataka state government. This push comes at a crucial time as neighbouring Vijayapura awaits environmental clearance for its Greenfield Airport, which is expected to become operational once approved.
Supreme Court Ruling Boosts Hopes for Regional Airports
Hopes for early clearance of such projects have been strengthened after the Supreme Court allowed the government to grant ex post facto environmental clearances. Once operational, the Vijayapura airport is anticipated to significantly boost regional connectivity, which in turn underscores Bagalkot's urgent need for its own airstrip to avoid being left behind in the aviation infrastructure race.
Political Support and Budget Inclusion Efforts
Adding considerable weight to the demand, Holabasu Shettar of Guledagudd, who is considered close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has written to him seeking inclusion of the airstrip project in the upcoming state budget. Acting on this representation, the Chief Minister has reportedly directed the additional chief secretary for commerce and industry to prepare a detailed proposal for consideration.
In his letter, Shettar emphasized that air connectivity would transform the district by benefiting multiple sectors, including:
- Tourism and cultural heritage promotion
- Trade and commerce expansion
- Agriculture and horticulture development
- Education and healthcare accessibility
- Overall regional economic acceleration
Bagalkot's Growth as a Cultural and Economic Hub
Carved out of the erstwhile Vijayapura district in 1997 during former Chief Minister JH Patel's tenure, Bagalkot has evolved into a prominent cultural and economic hub. Spread across 6,593 square kilometers with a population of nearly 20 lakh, the district is renowned for its rich Chalukyan architectural heritage.
The district houses globally significant sites such as:
- The Badami cave temples
- Aihole, an ancient temple complex
- The UNESCO World Heritage site Pattadakal
These attractions draw thousands of visitors annually, particularly to Kudalasangama, highlighting the tourism potential that an airstrip could further unlock.
Natural Resources and Infrastructure Development
Bagalkot is enriched by major water resources, including the Krishna and Malaprabha rivers, and benefits from the Almatti Dam's irrigation and power support. This natural advantage supports its agricultural and industrial sectors.
Educationally, the district is emerging as a centre with institutions such as the University of Horticultural Sciences and Basaveshvara Engineering College. The proposed Government Medical College is expected to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure, making the region more self-sufficient.
Industrial and Artisanal Strengths
Industrially, Bagalkot hosts 15 sugar factories and two cement units, forming a robust agro-industrial base. Additionally, it is known for its GI-tagged Ilkal sarees and Guledgudd Khana fabric, which support thousands of artisans and contribute to the local economy.
Critical Need for Enhanced Connectivity
With rising tourism, strong agro-industrial activity, and expanding education and healthcare sectors, stakeholders argue that an airstrip would fill a critical connectivity gap. This infrastructure would better link Bagalkot to national markets, facilitating trade, investment, and visitor access.
As the state government prepares its budget, stakeholders now await a decisive response on whether this long-pending airstrip demand will be approved, marking a potential turning point for the district's development trajectory.
