Bagalkot: The long-standing demand for an airstrip in Bagalkot district is gaining momentum, with citizens and local stakeholders intensifying their appeal to the state govt. The push comes as neighbouring Vijayapura awaits environmental clearance for its Greenfield Airport, which is expected to become operational once approved.Hopes for early clearance strengthened after the Supreme Court allowed the govt to grant ex post facto environmental clearances. Once operational, the Vijayapura airport is expected to boost regional connectivity, underscoring Bagalkot’s need for its own airstrip.
Adding weight to the demand, Holabasu Shettar of Guledagudd, considered close to chief minister Siddaramaiah, has written to him seeking inclusion of the airstrip project in the upcoming state budget. Acting on his representation, the CM has reportedly directed the additional chief secretary (commerce and industry) to prepare a detailed proposal.In his letter, Shettar said air connectivity would transform the district, benefiting tourism, trade and commerce, agriculture, horticulture, education and healthcare, and accelerating regional development.Carved out of the erstwhile Vijayapura district in 1997 during former CM JH Patel’s tenure, Bagalkot has grown into a cultural and economic hub. Spread across 6,593 sq km with a population of nearly 20 lakh, it is known for its Chalukyan architectural heritage. The district houses globally significant sites such as the Badami cave temples, Aihole and the UNESCO World Heritage site Pattadakal, and attracts thousands of visitors annually to Kudalasangama.The district is enriched by major water resources, including the Krishna and Malaprabha rivers, and benefits from the Almatti Dam’s irrigation and power support.Bagalkot is also emerging as an educational centre with institutions such as the University of Horticultural Sciences and Basaveshvara Engineering College. The proposed Govt Medical College is expected to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.Industrially, the district hosts 15 sugar factories and two cement units, and is known for its GI-tagged Ilkal sarees and Guledgudd Khana fabric, which support thousands of artisans.With rising tourism, strong agro-industrial activity and expanding education and healthcare sectors, stakeholders argue that an airstrip would fill a critical connectivity gap and better link Bagalkot to national markets.As the state prepares its budget, stakeholders now await the govt’s decision on whether the long-pending airstrip demand will be approved.
