BJP MP Jagadish Shettar, who is also a former Chief Minister, held a meeting of airport authorities and members of the Belagavi Aerodrome Advisory Committee in Belagavi on Sunday.

The committee members went around the Sambra Airport and reviewed ongoing expansion and infrastructure development works.

Mr. Shettar assured airport officers and the committee members of taking up the issue of transfer of around 15 acres of land from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

This piece of land is required for the construction of a parallel taxiway, ensuring runway safety and also, other purposes.

The district administration has prepared a proposal for transfer of around 30 acres of additional land and forwarded it to the State government for acquisition in the surrounding villages.

Committee members inspected the ongoing Terminal 2 construction works before the meeting. Officials told them that 87% physical progress has been achieved on the second terminal and it is expected to be completed by June.

The new terminal is being built at a cost of ₹223 crore. It will be able to handle around 2,400 passengers at a time with 1,200 arrivals and 1,200 departures.

The work on the apron expansion and new taxi link are progressing simultaneously. The aircraft parking capacity will increase to 12 bays from the current three.

They will be big enough to accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A321.

The additional infrastructure being installed includes four passenger boarding bridges, 14 check-in counters and two arrival conveyor belts. There will be a series of high-mast lights.

The MP reviewed the proposal for a four-lane road from the city to Sambra to reduce congestion and improve accessibility. He said that he will speak to Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi urging him to take it up on priority.

Mr. Shettar asked the airline operators, including IndiGo and Star Air, to consider the long-pending demands to start new flights from Belagavi to Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and other major cities.

The airline representatives reportedly responded positively to the request. Some members urged them to restart some of the discontinued routes.

He favoured running of AC buses between the airport and the railway station for seamless commuting. He said that such a service has gained popularity in Hubballi. He instructed North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation officials to take steps to start such bus services.

Some members suggested starting a prepaid taxi and car rental services at the airport.

Airline officials requested the MP to convey to the State government to set up a police out-post inside the airport premises to coordinate with Central forces in security and law and order maintenance.

Mr. Shettar called Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao and asked him to prepare a proposal and forward it to the State government.

Some members urged the MP to convey to the Union government, their demand for international airport status for the Sambra Airport and the construction of a dedicated cargo terminal facility at the airport.

He said that he will write to the Ministers concerned.