Kodagu to Get New Heliport as Karnataka Plans Better Air Links to Tourism Hubs
Bengaluru/Madikeri: Kodagu is set to receive a dedicated heliport as Karnataka steps up efforts to improve air connectivity to some of the state’s major tourism destinations. A greenfield heliport is proposed at Chikathur village in Kushalnagara taluk, covering around 7.2 acres, as part of a wider connectivity plan covering Kodagu, Hampi and Chikkamagaluru.
The project is being taken up by the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), with the proposed facility intended to support helicopter operations and strengthen access to Kodagu’s tourism sector, according to Moneycontrol report.
The planned Madikeri heliport will be designed to accommodate MI-172 helicopters or helicopters belonging to an equivalent category. A detailed project report (DPR) for the Kodagu facility has already been prepared, with the appointed consultant expected to review and update it according to the latest Schedule of Rates.
The state is also expected to assess tourist and passenger demand before finalising the infrastructure and facilities at the proposed heliport. The assessment will consider existing tourism and passenger movement, economic activity in the region and projected demand for helicopter services in the coming years.
The Kodagu project is part of a larger initiative aimed at developing aviation infrastructure around key tourism destinations. Similar demand assessments and planning exercises are proposed for Hampi and Chikkamagaluru.
At Hampi in Vijayanagara district, a greenfield heliport is planned across more than 10 acres near Kamalapura village. Like the Kodagu facility, it is expected to support MI-172 or equivalent-category helicopters.
Chikkamagaluru will have a more extensive aviation facility, with the government proposing an integrated greenfield airstrip-cum-heliport spread across 137 acres near Hiremagaluru and Chikkamagaluru villages.
The Chikkamagaluru project will include an airstrip, helicopter facilities and a passenger terminal capable of handling 20 arriving and 20 departing passengers. The proposed terminal is expected to have check-in counters, seating areas, baggage facilities and security screening infrastructure.
The master plan also includes a helipad with two operational bays and two hangars for H-2 category helicopters. Provisions could additionally be made for an executive lounge, commercial facilities, tourist accommodation and flight-training infrastructure.
The projects will require aviation, environmental and other statutory approvals. For Chikkamagaluru, preparation of the DPR is expected to take four months, followed by the required approval process. The proposed facilities are aimed at improving regional connectivity while supporting tourism and related economic activity across all three destinations.
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