The under construction Shivamogga airport in Sogane, will be named after former Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa. On 20 April, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai made an announcement to this effect.
Speaking to the media after inspecting the construction site, CM Bommai said, "The construction of the airport will be completed this year and will be accessible to the public starting December 2022.
Responding to this, the former CM BS Yediyurappa tweeted saying, "I am touched by Chief Minister BS Bommai's decision to name the Shivamogga airport after me. With all humility, I request the government to name the airport after any illustrious personality of Karnataka which will be a befitting tribute to their contribution."
In a letter addressed to CM Bommai, he wrote, "There are many dignitaries and patriots who have served in the development of the nation. It is my opinion that in comparison to their contribution, mine is nothing more than a squirrel service. I feel fortunate and humbled that I have consistently tried to support and serve the people. Hence, I think my name is not appropriate for this new airport."
"Therefore, I would like to appeal to you to reconsider your decision, discuss in appropriate forums, and name the new airport on great people who have contributed to the development of the state, country and the history," he wrote.
While making the announcement, CM Bommai had also said that the required proposal, to name the airport after Yediyurappa, will be sent to the civil aviation ministry. "The project has been taken up under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) programme. The project will have facilities on par with international airports and will also have night landing facilities for large aircrafts," added CM Bommai.
CM Bommai recalled that the plan for constructing the airport in Shivamogga was first proposed by Yediyurappa in 2006. He also said that his predecessor was keen on setting up a greenfield airport in Shivamogga.
However, the construction of the airport, which will have the second longest runway (3,299 meters) after Bengaluru airport, began only in 2020.
The airport at Sogane is also expected to give a boost to tourism, education, and industries in Shivamogga district. It is also expected to ensure the completion of Shivamogga-Shikaripur-Ranebennur railway link and other infrastructure projects in the region.
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