Karnataka government plans to develop its own airline for 600 crores

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has started studying the possibilities of starting its own airline for the state. Industry Minister MB Patil said yesterday that the new project is to increase regional connectivity.

'Discussions are being held with civil aviation experts on the merits and demerits of the project. Met Sanjay Ghodawat, owner of Star Air, to discuss the investment required for the project. 200 crores are needed for one plane alone. 600 crores will be required if we buy three. If we take the plane on lease, the cost will not be so much. 600 crore does not seem like a huge amount for the government' - the minister clarified.

A state-owned airline may not be impossible if regional connectivity improves. If the project is implemented, services will be possible on routes like Mysuru-Bangalore, Bengaluru-Kalaburagi, Bengaluru-Hubbali, Mysuru-Kalaburagi, Bengaluru-Shivamoga.

The plan to have its airline comes in line with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's budget promise to formulate Karnataka's civil aviation policy. The government is developing a heliport at Hampi. Apart from this, airstrips are being developed in Dharmasthala, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru.

The idea of starting the state's airline arose out of the government's plan to manage newly constructed airports in the state through the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC).

The newly constructed Shivamogga airport is the first airport in the state to be managed by the government. It is reported that the upcoming airports at Vijayapura, Raichur, Ballari, Karwar and Hassan will also be run by the government.