Significance of the new international airport announced in Tamil Nadu’s Hosur
The Hosur IT park.
The Hosur IT park. Hosur has seen a surge in investments since 2017, particularly in the electronics sector, which has attracted about Rs 1,000 crore. (Via Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu website)
The Tamil Nadu government announced the construction of a new airport in Hosur on Thursday (June 27), marking a significant milestone in the planned evolution of this industrial town in Krishnagiri district close to the state's border with Karnataka into a global supply chain and logistics network hub.
The Hosur airport project
The international airport announced by Chief Minister M K Stalin will be built over an area of 2,000 acres, and will be designed to handle 30 million passengers annually.
The ambitious project is part of the Tamil Nadu government's long-term goal of transforming Hosur, which is located just 40 km from Bengaluru — and only 25 km from Bengaluru’s Electronic City — into a major centre of economic development with all modern infrastructure.
Map showing proximity between Hosur and Bengaluru.
Map showing proximity between Hosur and Bengaluru. (Screengrab via Google Maps)
Chief Minister Stalin said the airport would facilitate the socio-economic development of the Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri regions.
An existing industrial base
In the early 1970s, Hosur was little more than a brief stopover for buses travelling between Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu. The transformation of the town began after the state government recognised its potential and designated it as an industrial site. The establishment of an industrial estate in Hosur by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) attracted key players in various sectors.
Today, Hosur hosts around 3,000 medium and small-scale enterprises (MSMEs) that feed into several global supply chains. Recent major entrants in Hosur include Ola Electric, Tata Electronics, Ather Energy, TVS Motors, Ashok Leyland, Schaeffler, Caterpillar, Exide Batteries, Gabriel, IAMPL (a joint venture of Rolls Royce), TITAN Watches, TEAL (Aerospace and Defence), WEG, Nilkamal, Kansai Nerolac, Delta Electronics, Mylan Laboratories, Global Calcium, TTK Prestige, and Terex India.
Vishnu Venugopalan, MD and CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state's nodal agency for investment promotion and single-window facilitation, told The Indian Express that Hosur is expected to become the next big growth centre, especially for electric vehicles and electronics.
“The significance of Hosur is all about its industries and investments that are closely integrated with the global supply chain,” he said.
Hosur's diverse industrial landscape also includes polishing units, engineering fabrication, tooling, rubber, plastic, machining, and machine tool spares industries. These enterprises are integral to the town's economy, providing employment and fostering innovation.
Robust investments in city
Hosur has seen a surge in investments since 2017, particularly in the electronics sector, which has attracted about Rs 1,000 crore. Its location close to Bengaluru offers logistical advantages, and makes it an attractive destination for investors.
Tamil Nadu's ambitious plans for Hosur's infrastructure include expansion of the SIPCOT industrial parks. SIPCOT Phase-1 spans 1,235.86 acres, Phase-2 covers 856.67 acres, and a new expansion will add 1,021 acres, providing adequate space and facilities for new and existing industries.
Significant infrastructure projects, including construction of an underground drainage network costing Rs 650 crore, and multiple shopping malls are also underway.
State Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said the new airport project will be a game changer. Besides providing direct flights to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, it will make Hosur more accessible to investors, business travellers, and even to residents of Bengaluru. The improved air connectivity will especially support Hosur's electronics, automotive, and aerospace units by streamlining supply chains and reducing transportation costs.
Living in Hosur
The cost of living in Hosur, including essentials and local transport, is less than in Bengaluru. The rental market is also favourable, with 2BHK apartments available in the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.
However, the challenges of most Indian urban centres, such as traffic congestion, water scarcity, and absence of urban planning, affect Hosur as well. The phase-II Hogenakkal Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project aims to meet the water demand.
The government's development vision includes establishing a Hosur Urban Development Authority (HUDA), which will develop a master plan for Hosur until 2046, covering 734 sq km. Improved connectivity, better public transport, and more affordable housing are among the priorities.
There are calls for direct train services from Hosur to Chennai and Coimbatore, as well as more and improved services to Bengaluru. There are also calls for improved public transport, more affordable housing, and enhanced healthcare and educational facilities.
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