MP to urge the Center to transfer land to IAF for Sambra airport works

BJP MP Jagadish Shettar along with officials inspected the work at Sambra Airport in Belagavi on Sunday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

BJP MP Jagadish Shettar, who is also a former chief minister, organized a meeting of airport authorities and members of the Belagavi Airport Advisory Committee in Belagavi on Sunday.

Committee members toured the Sambra Airport and reviewed the ongoing expansion and infrastructure development.

Mr. Shettar assured airport officers and committee members that they are looking into the issue of transfer of around 15 acres of land from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

This land is required for the construction of a parallel taxiway to ensure the safety of the runway and also for other purposes.

The district administration has prepared a proposal to transfer around 30 acres of additional land and forwarded it to the state government for acquisition in nearby villages.

Before the meeting, committee members inspected the ongoing construction work at Terminal 2. Officials told them that 87% physical progress had been made on the second terminal and it was expected to be completed by June.

The new terminal is being built at a cost of ₹223 crore. At one time, it can handle around 2,400 passengers with 1,200 arrivals and 1,200 departures.

Work on the expansion of the apron and the new taxi connection is progressing simultaneously. The capacity of the aircraft parking lot will increase to 12 from the current three.

They will be large enough to accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A321.

Other infrastructure installed includes four passenger boarding bridges, 14 check-in counters and two arrival lanes. There will be a range of high mast lights.

The MP reviewed the proposal for a four-lane road from the city to Sambra to reduce congestion and improve accessibility. He said he would speak to Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and urge him to take it up on priority.

Mr. Shettar asked airline operators, including IndiGo and Star Air, to consider long-pending requests to start new flights from Belagavi to Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and other major cities.

The airline representatives are said to have responded positively to the request. Some members called on them to restore some of the discontinued routes.

He favored the operation of alternating buses between the airport and the railway station for hassle-free commuting. He said such service has gained popularity in Hubballi. He directed the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation officials to take steps to start such bus services.

Some members suggested starting a prepaid taxi and car rental service at the airport.

The airline officials asked the MP to direct the state government to set up a police base on the airport premises to coordinate with the central forces for security and maintenance of law and order.

Mr. Shettar called Boras Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao and asked him to prepare a proposal and submit it to the state government.

Some members urged the MP to convey to the Union government their demand for international airport status for Sambra Airport and construction of a dedicated cargo terminal at the airport.

He said he would write to the ministers concerned.

Published – 18 May 2026 18:50 IST