Bengaluru, Dec. 20 -- The state government was only undertaking preliminary work for a second international airport near Bengaluru and not seeking immediate clearance, infrastructure development minister MB Patil said on Friday, responding to questions raised in Parliament about the absence of a formal proposal before the Centre.

"We are aware that we need permission from BIAL to build a second international airport near the state capital. We have time till 2033 for this. Therefore, keeping a vision, we have started the remaining work immediately," said Patil.

Kempegowda International Airport near Devanahalli operates under a concession agreement that bars another airport in the region until the 25th anniversary of its opening. Patil sa...