India, March 18 -- Bengaluru's long-awaited second airport will be chosen purely on merit, keeping in mind the city's residents, industries, and overall economic growth, Karnataka Infrastructure Minister M B Patil said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Patil stated that the state government has shortlisted three potential locations and will consult the Union Civil Aviation Ministry before finalizing a site. Following the ongoing Assembly session, he and officials from his department will travel to Delhi to discuss the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and facilitate a site inspection by the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

"The Airport Authority will assess the shortlisted locations, and their approval will be crucial in de...