Shivamogga airport to get night landing facility by October: KSIIDC Chairperson

The night flight landing facility will be operational at Shivamogga airport in Sogane within the next seven months, which would be around September-October, according to Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Chairperson S.G. Nanjayyanamath.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the airport in Shivamogga on February 16, Mr. Nanjayyanamath stated that the night landing facility had been delayed because it requires sensitive technical elements in addition to electrical work. The electrical work has been completed, and the tender process for the Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) building has also been completed. The soil test has been conducted, and further work will begin soon.”

DVOR is a standard ground-based radio navigational aid that provides information to aircraft to define air traffic control routes. The KSIIDC, which manages the airport, floated a tender for the facility in September 2025. The cost of the facility alone would be nearly ₹5 crore.”

Mr. Nanjayyanamath stated that the total investment for the night-landing facility would be ₹12 crore, including the DVOR. “Once the facility is ready, we can consider extending flight services to cities like Mumbai and Delhi. We believe there is demand for flight operations to Delhi and Mumbai from Shivamogga,” he said.

Penalty paid

The Chairperson stated that the KSIIDC had paid the penalty imposed by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 2025. “Soon after the information came to my notice, I ensured that the penalty was paid with interest. The total amount paid was ₹22 lakh. Had it been paid earlier, we could have saved on the interest. However, the licence to operate the airport has been renewed for three years,” he said.

In response to a question, the Chairperson admitted that the corporation’s inefficiency led to the penalty for failing to comply with aerodrome standards. “As soon as I took charge, I ensured that the penalty was cleared immediately. However, if the corporation had cleared the penalty on time, we could have saved at least the interest component,” he stated.

Hassan airport

Regarding a question about the construction of Hassan airport, Mr. Nanjayyanamath said that the project had been facing certain hurdles related to land. The corporation officials held meetings with the Deputy Commissioner of Hassan. “The people who gave up their land for the project are seeking a road. Following construction of the compound wall, they lost a path to their village. They have demanded an eight-kilometre-long road,” he said.

“Furthermore, the KPTCL wants ₹17.5 crore to shift the 220kV power line that passes through the land acquired for the airport. “We have paid the money. The lines have been shifted. However, they are are yet to shift the poles. The KPTCL has submitted a revised estimate of ₹21 crore,” he added.”