CD Web Desk
Udupi, Feb 10: The proposal to establish an airport near Yermal in Padubidri has received a cautious but positive response from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the Centre expressing readiness to consider the project subject to active cooperation from the Karnataka government.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, in a letter addressed to Udupi–Chikkamagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, stated that the Central Government would examine the proposal if the state government undertakes the necessary groundwork, including land identification and submission of statutory clearances.
The move follows an initiative by Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, who had sought Central intervention for the long-pending demand for an airport in the region. Acting on the request, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary submitted a memorandum to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry proposing the establishment of a new airport at Yermal.
In his response, the Union Minister noted that the Centre is open to supporting airport development under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. He advised the Karnataka government to identify a suitable site, conduct a detailed feasibility study, and forward a comprehensive proposal for consideration by the Central Government.
The minister further clarified that any support from the Centre would be strictly in accordance with the Government of India’s Greenfield Airport Policy.
While no formal approval has been granted so far, the Centre’s response has renewed hopes in Udupi district, where demands for an airport have been pending for years. The focus now shifts to the Karnataka government, whose cooperation will be crucial in determining the project’s future.
