Mysuru:  The utility relocation works required for the expansion of Mysore Airport’s runway at Mandakalli will commence shortly, said District In-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting with officials at the Zilla Panchayat Hall yesterday, Dr. Mahadevappa said that 280 acres of land are required for the runway expansion of which 240 acres have already been acquired and full compensation paid to the respective farmers.

Negotiations are underway for the remaining 40 acres. Farmers have agreed to part with their land on the condition that the compensation amount be deposited in Court. The Minister assured that the funds will be deposited within a week.

HT lines, canals

The proposed expansion area includes high-power transmission lines and three irrigation canals. The State Government has sanctioned funds to the Minor Irrigation Department and the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) to relocate and redesign these utilities. The work is expected to begin in the coming days.

To facilitate the runway extension, the Mysuru–Nanjangud highway alignment must be altered. A 7-km rerouting is planned and officials have proposed constructing a 3-km tunnel beneath the Airport premises.

Although the proposal had been stalled earlier due to safety concerns, competent authorities have now given their approval. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to take a final decision after discussions with officials, Dr. Mahadevappa added.

Cargo operations

The Minister emphasised that if the tunnel is constructed, its design must ensure that irrigation canals passing through the area are not affected. Once completed, the runway expansion will enable the Airport to support cargo operations and aviation training, giving a significant boost to industrial development — particularly benefiting  IT and BT companies.

MLA Tanveer Sait noted that the Airport expansion would substantially contribute to Mysuru’s overall growth, enhancing both IT infrastructure and cargo connectivity.

MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar expressed concern over the growing number of flyovers and tunnels in the district and suggested exploring alternative urban planning methods to preserve the city’s aesthetic character.

The meeting was attended by MLAs G.T. Devegowda, K. Harish Gowda, DC G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, ZP CEO S. Yukesh Kumar, Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Sheikh Tanveer Asif and other senior officials.