Skyway to city all set to open

Skyway to city all set to open
The city’s international airport promises to fly in development. B S Manu Rao presents an aerial snapshot of what it means for Bangalore


The countdown is over. The new international airport is here and Bangalore is on the global air map. While factors such as skilled human resources, availability of land parcels, cosmopolitan culture and a salubrious climate have pushed the case for Bangalore as a corporate destination, the international airport is the most significant attribute now. The connectivity it entails makes the city convenient and efficient. In these days of frequent travel, globe trotters need this facility to reach major bases across the world.
The airport will play a significant role in adding to the city's draw for a host of sectors in the coming years. This changes the equation and promises to bring in more players, people and development.
Brand push A huge advantage of having an international airport in a city is the brand image it creates around the world. "An international airport is like a visiting card of the city. It makes the first impression of the city on a visitor as he comes in and leaves the last impression on him as he leaves", says Harish Bijoor, Brand Specialist. "The new airport here is a lovely facility and will be an icon of modern Bangalore", he says.
Commercial edge
A city's image as an efficient commercial destination gets a boost when it acquires an international airport. "Essentially, for global organisations, the city's infrastructure is the backbone. They look at broadband connectivity - preferably an under-sea link, good roads, and an efficient international airport. Good infrastructure enhances the quality of life in the city. This airport is like an advertisement for Bangalore and I believe more global players will look at the city as a destination", adds Harish.
Boost for IT
The city's IT sector will find the airport a vital link. "We had planned an electronics hardware tech park in the BIAPA area, close to the new airport. We are working on setting it up and it will take concrete shape now. For organisations, the park being close to the airport is a major positive factor. It is convenient for those who need to travel frequently", says an official of the State's IT Department.
The fact that large land parcels are available in the vicinity of the airport is a major advantage. "We have asked the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board and Department of Commerce and Industry to identify large land parcels for development in the vicinity of the airport and around Bangalore North.
We are sure many organisations will want to move in here. IT majors looking at expansions too will find the options here good", he adds.
Medical tourism
Bangalore is known for its healthcare facilities and talent. The concept of medical tourism will catch on here with the international airport connectivity. "Bangalore will make a good healthcare destination. The talent and facilities here is known well abroad and people will seek the care available here now. Many come here for spinal surgery and joint replacements. More will come to Bangalore looking for the state-of-the-art facilities available here", says Dr N K Venkataramana, Neuro Surgeon.
Realty angle
Ever since the airport began taking shape, the realty scene in the vicinity looked up. Land prices have registered significant increases in Bangalore North, thanks to the airport. "There will be considerably more interest in the northern parts of the city now. An international airport brings commercial development. This means more office spaces and consequently residential options. In turn, there is demand for hospitality, shopping and entertainment segments. People will look at localities here even if they are not frequent fliers for these developments", says Balakrishna Hegde, President, Karnataka Ownership Apartments Promoters Association.
So what will the airport bring to the city? Harish Bijoor sums it up: "It is a gateway to Bangalore that many abroad will find inviting - both corporates and tourists".