Bangalore’s vertical plan is limited to 150m
North Bangalore has been eyed as the region with immense potential and the area near HAL(Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is what holds the key to development. Planned well, the area can grow vertically and turn into ‘Greater Bangalore’ in the next 5 years. However, the recent restrictions on the maximum permissible height for real estate development by the PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), has cast a black shadow on the vertical growth of Bangalore.
The advent of the airport has upped the ante in northern counterparts of the city.The HAL airport is the ruling body to issue NOCs (no objection certificates) on height limitations for constructions within the 20-km radius around the region. Since the airport is at a 10 km(or less) distance from the city center, the apex authority encompasses a big portion of the city’s IT and commercial hubs.
Sneak Peak
According to HAL’s latest declaration, the maximum height permissible to a building around the airport has been changed from the earlier stipulated 300 metres (100 floor) to 150 metres (50 floors), above the elevation of the airport. The sole purpose of the move is to expedite the special test flying at a very low level. According to market sources, the 150 metre restriction put up by HAL will meet the safety parameters of special operations and test flying, which most defence aerodromes adhere.
The HAL airport stands at an elevation of 887 metres, above the MSL(mean sea level). Since the Garden City is at an average elevation of 940 metres above the MSL (i.e 53 metres higher than the airport), a number of locations will have to limit their real estate constructions to a maximum of 150 metres. In addition to it, the aircraft’s flight path from the airport also plays a key role in deciding the height clearances.
Adverse effect on bangalore’s vertical plan
The revision of height has dampened the state government’s real estate development plan to go vertical, like Shanghai or Singapore. Often compared with the Bangalore, the financial hub of the nation-Mumbai has nearly 35 residential complexes, some of which are completed or under-construction, and include 40 to 60 floors.
According to certain key developers of the city (like Sobha Developers), restriction on building heights may not have any material impact since no project has come up with more than 50 floors, however, on a progressive note it is a drawback. Construction of high-rises will be severely affected due to restriction on the height of the buildings. According to HAL’s officials, certain additional requirements such as navigation, surveillance and communication aids has also played a key role in limiting the permissible height.
